A RUGBY club has raised more than £10,000 for a former player who is battling a rare form of cancer.

Dad-of-two Adam Cox was diagnosed with sarcoma around his spine a year ago.

Affectionately known as Beefy, the 37-year-old is a stalwart of Lymm Rugby Club – the former prop having first joined its junior section around 30 years ago.

Warrington Guardian:

Adam is pictured far right on the front row during his time in Lymm RFC's junior section

Teammates and friends were determined to help Adam after learning that the police officer was travelling miles to St Rocco’s Hospice in Bewsey just to have a shower.

Now, more than £12,000 has been raised for the forward in order to make adaptations to his Grappenhall home and support his young family.

Builder Tim Oakes and his Renovation SOS firm have been the ‘driving force’ behind creating a wetroom for former Lymm High School pupil Adam, which has now been completed.

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Warrington Guardian:

Adam's garage has been transformed into a wetroom

Long-time friend and fellow Lymm RFC player David Williamson said: “Beefy has been at Lymm Rugby Club since he was seven or eight years old.

“He was in the junior sides all the way up to the first team, and he was in the front row for the first team for many years – he was like a cannonball, he ran over me quite a few times.

“He’s so well respected and he’s a lovely bloke, but he’s not been well at all.

“It’s been an absolute nightmare for the family.

“When we realised that he had to drive to St Rocco’s Hospice just to have a shower, we decided to help.

“We wanted to raise a couple of grand just to cover the cost, but within two or three days we had raised £7,000.

“We put the target up to £12,000, and within a week we got there again.

“It’s such a weight off his shoulders that he can just go and have a shower on his own, independently – it’s given him a massive boost.”

A benefit game between a Lymm RFC XV and Adam’s colleagues at Merseyside Police is now due to be held next month – kicking off at the club’s Crouchley Lane home at 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 21.

Warrington Guardian:

Adam, pictured centre, during his Lymm High School days

Other planned fundraising events include a party with a live band and a rowathon.

David added: “This is a family club and everyone sticks together, but this has just been incredible.

“It’s not just Lymm, it’s players from other clubs and people abroad who’ve donated too.

“Beefy can’t believe how generous people have been – he’s made up with the support, he can’t believe it.

“Him and his wife are so humbled by it all.

“You couldn’t find a nicer bloke, and he would never say a bad word about everybody.

“That’s why everyone has done everything they can for him.”

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