New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has come up with a great gesture to help an 8-year-old kid suffering from a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. Southee has put up one of his shirts from the recently-concluded World Test Championship (WTC) final for auction to raise funds for the treatment of Hollie Beattie.
Southee was part of the New Zealand side which defeated India by eight wickets in the WTC final last week to clinch the elusive Test mace and bring an end to their long-standing drought for a major ICC trophy. Southee picked up a total of five wickets across the two innings to help New Zealand emerge on top in the summit clash.
The shirt is signed by all the members of the New Zealand side who were part of the WTC final against India. Southee revealed he first learned about Hollie’s condition a couple of years ago and has since been stuck with the family’s perseverance in the difficult situation. He decided to help the family in raising funds for the 8-year-old after hearing that she would require more treatment.
“This auction is for one of my Test worn shirts from the ICC World Test Championship Final against India signed by the full WTC squad. All proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting Hollie Beattie and her ongoing medical treatment,” Southee wrote.
“My family first learned about Hollie’s story a couple of years ago through the cricket community and I have always been struck by the Beattie family’s perseverance, strength, and positive attitude. Since hearing that Hollie required more treatment I have been trying to find a way to support in some small way.
“I am hopeful that this shirt can help contribute in someway to the Beattie family’s ongoing medical needs as Hollie continues to fight. As a parent my heart goes out to them as they battle on,” he added.
Hollie was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in July 2018. She underwent rounds of chemotherapy and other treatments to return after the tumour was removed from her bone marrow. However, cancer returned in the form of a tumour in her brain which forced the family to take her to Spain for treatment.
The family has been facing astronomical costs for the treatment and has already been overburdened by the hospital bills. Southee is one among many who have come forward to help them in the time of crisis.
