Sheffield squash champ donates winnings for boy's brain treatment

Keen squash player and huge Matthew fan, Sumner Malik, aged 11, was diagnosed with a type of tumour which is said to have no cure.

Three time world champion Matthew, 36, won the five-figure sum after lifting the Canary Wharf Classic competition in London.

Because the NHS does not provide treatment for the tumour, Sumner’s parents have had to pay to go to private clinics.

But the selfless city squash star was extremely modest about the generous gesture.

Matthew said: “I know the Malik family and they live and breathe squash.

“I’m a parent myself and hopefully he can have a great life ahead of him and I’m glad that I’ve been able to give them a good fund.

“We’re fortunate to do what we do for a living and we take it for granted at times.

“I don’t want any thanks or personal gain for doing it - it’s about raising awareness for him and it’s the least that I can do.”

Sumner’s dad Camron Malik said he was overwhelmed by Matthew’s generosity towards his son who underwent treatment last Monday.

He revealed the huge private costs involved in his son’s treatment.

He said: “Our initial invoice was £86 for the trial at the Harley Street Clinic in London.

“We have just paid £60 and we are still trying to raise £6,000 per month for the monthly infusion costs.

“This could go up to £11,000 per month depending on which drug Sumner is more responsive to.”

Mr Malik added that if the trial works in stopping the growth of the tumour, Sumner may be able to undergo immunotherapy in Germany.

But that would cost an additional £35,000 a trip, which Mr Malik understands could be every six weeks for the forseeable future.

The tumour affects a part of the brain stem which controls heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, eye movement, eyesight and balance.

Matthew, 36, beat 22-year-old Fares Dessouky of Egypt 3-1 to claim his 35th PSA World Tour title.

The win is a record sixth Canary Wharf Classic title.