Family and friends raise funds after Andy Grier’s death, just four months after his brain tumour diagnosis to fund charity work.
Hull Prison staff and SLC United played in the game. They raised funds for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity. Charline Grier led the match effort because she wanted to honor her father, Andy Grier, who was a beloved colleague, family member, and friend.
Andy lived and worked in Hull for over 30 years at Hull Prison. After retiring, doctors diagnosed Andy with brain cancer. He had grade four glioblastoma, a very serious type.
Charline talked about how his illness affected her family. Her dad was the center of their family circle. He was strong, active, and lived life to the fullest. His diagnosis changed everything overnight.
He declined rapidly. They lost him just four months after his diagnosis, leaving a big void in everyone’s lives. Despite their sadness, the family helped YBTC to help other families with tumors.
The football match raised £615 and was one of many fundraising events. Andy’s friends and family organized them all to keep his memory alive and help others.
Charline’s son had a Crazy Hat Day at school. She swam a mile every day for a month. Prison staff completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and Andy’s friend ran the Leeds Marathon.
A football match seemed like the best fundraising idea. Charline’s partner plays for a charity team. He organized the match to help YBTC and invited prison officers to play.
People liked Andy a lot, and a guard of honor attended his funeral. Hundreds of people came to show how much they cared. Alex Smith helped a lot with funds by collecting donations at the prison gate while wearing a Hull KR rugby shirt.
Andy was a big Rovers fan, and Alex auctioned memorabilia to raise money. Fundraising honors Andy and also drives change for patients in Yorkshire. Brain tumors are common, but treatments haven’t changed much, with treatment options still being rough.
More research and better treatments are needed. YBTC helped during his diagnosis. Charline wants to support the charity every year, hoping his legacy continues to live in the hearts of those who knew him and also help patients.