‘Focus must be on a cure,’ says sister of former Highland rugby player who died of a brain tumour
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THE family of a former Highland Rugby Club player who died of a brain tumour are campaigning once again to raise awareness and funds for research into brain cancer.
Jill Beaton and her relatives are organising a fundraising dance in memory of her brother Alan Rose, who died months after being diagnosed with one of the most aggressive types of brain tumour.
Mrs Beaton is dedicating the event to people who have died from or have been affected by the disease. It is the third event of its kind by the family.
“Every corner you turn there’s someone suffering with a brain tumour or who knows someone who has passed on with it,” she said. “We need to concentrate far harder on getting some more research into a cure.”
Mr Rose was born in Inverness, played for Highland, then moved to Edinburgh to be an advertising executive. He married and settled in Crieff where sons Aynsley (26) and Sam (22) were raised. He was president and coach of Crieff and Strathearn Rugby Club.
He found out he had a brain tumour in July 2012. Doctors initially thought that he was suffering from depression.
The executive had suddenly become withdrawn and was struggling with co-ordination.
He collapsed in his garden and a brain scan revealed he was suffering from a giloblastoma grade 4 brain tumour.
The 59-year-old underwent surgery but the prognosis was poor and he died at Crieff Community Hospital.
Mrs Beaton said: “We really hope to have all his old team mates with us on the night and some of the new players.”
The event will be held in aid of Brain Tumour Research at the Highland Rugby Club clubhouse in Inverness this Saturday.
