Teammates of a Sunbury cricketer who is undergoing chemotherapy in a London hospital are hoping for wide community support for a charity event raising money to help bring him home.
Jessy Carroll, 24, was about six months into a dream backpacking trip around Europe when he was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma.
East Sunbury Cricket Club spokesman Keith Osborne said the allrounder went for a check-up about a month ago after feeling lethargic.
‘‘Because it was a stage 4 cancer, they started chemotherapy almost straight away,’’ Osborne said. ‘‘They’ve been trying to get him fit enough to fly but obviously it’s quite an intensive process.’’
Jessy’s mother has flown to England to be by his side as his treatment continues.
Osborne said the club hoped an event at Goonawarra Reserve this Saturday night would pay for Jessy, his mum and a nurse to fly to Melbourne before Christmas.
The fundraiser will include an auction, raffle and barbecue.
Osborne described Jessy as a ‘‘real character’’ who had quickly matured into a leader of the six-year-old club.
‘‘He’s been there since the start and has become one of our real role models,” he said.
‘‘I’ve seen him grow beyond his years … he’s really come of age.’’
Jessy’s brother, Shane, said the club’s efforts would help make a tough journey a little easier.
‘‘We’re just so appreciative of all that they’re doing,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s just so well loved. If you’re having a beer, he’s the bloke you want to have around.’’
For tickets for the fundraising night, phone 0403 186 721.
