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A former Black Cap has raised nearly $100,000 and started chemotherapy and radiation therapy after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Luke Woodcock, who represented New Zealand seven times and is the Wellington College Cricket Club’s director of cricket, was diagnosed with the life-changing illness on January 21 and hadneurosurgery soon after.
However, the surgery was unable to remove all of the tumour and resulted in the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Further treatments might be needed that are available only outside New Zealand.
“Chemo is actually a pill he takes each morning, which is nice for him,” she said. “That’s how his type of cancer is [treated], vs an IV line for hours, so we are here for the wins and this is one!
Former Black Cap Luke Woodcock has started chemotherapy and radiation therapy for his brain tumour. Photo / Photosport
“Radiation is weekly for a period of time, with his lovely new helmet!
“Thanks again to everyone for their amazing support.”
In an earlier update, his family shared a photo of a custom-fit mask Woodcock would have to wear while being treated.
“Today’s the day for Luke to have his mask custom fit,” the update read, adding it was not the “usual full-face helmet” he’d been used to in his cricketing career.
“This one will be his weekly attire over a 6 week period whilst having radiation – here’s to kicking cancer!!”
Former Black Cap Luke Woodcock had a helmet fitted for him which he wears during his radiation treatment. Photo / Givealittle
More than $94,000 has been donated to the former cricketer’s Givealittle page, something his family have said they are thankful for.
“The support for Luke has been incredible,” Incledon said.
“The journey to a diagnosis has been a challenge, post diagnosis we have been so overwhelmed with the support and cannot say thank you to enough people.”
Cricket Wellington had previously asked “the wider cricket community to stand behind one of our own” and described Woodcock as a Firebirds legend who had given a lot to cricket in Wellington and across New Zealand as a player, coach and mentor.
Wellington College also previously released a statement about his condition and asked its community to rally around their staff member.
Woodcock made his debut for the Black Caps against Pakistan in a December 2010 T20 International, which New Zealand won by 39 runs.
His final match for the national team came in an October 2011 loss to Zimbabwe in which he took two wickets.
