Football star's son helps health charity

Alick Jeffrey, aged 48, was treated at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital after being diagnosed with an aneurysm six years ago - and is so grateful he wanted to say "thank you" by raising cash to help others.

He said: "When I was diagnosed with an aneurysm, a form of brain haemorrhage, it was a really difficult time for my family.

"My father had only recently passed away and now my mother was faced with losing me as well. I underwent three operations on my brain in all and, at one point, I was very close to death.

"But I was so pleased with the treatment I received in Sheffield.

"The doctors, nurses and surgeon who treated me were absolutely first class and I can't fault them. They saved my life."

Now Alick from Doncaster, has held a fundraising sportsman's dinner at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, in aid of Neurocare, which supports the Neurosurgery department at the hospital.

The charity needs to raise 500,000 for three brain scanners at the city's Hallamshire and Children's hospitals

Alick is the son of a Doncaster Rovers football legend - also called Alick Jeffrey - who scored 140 goals in 249 appearances for the club in the 1950s and 1960s.

Alick Jeffrey Snr passed away in 2000, and the street outside Doncaster's new ground, the Keepmoat Stadium, was named Alick Jeffrey Way in his father's honour.

Alick Jnr works in the commercial department at the Keepmoat Stadium, having worked as commercial manager for Doncaster Rovers for more than a decade.

"When I left hospital, I saw Neurocare's appeal board and swore that if ever I had the opportunity, I would raise money for the charity. Now I want to do anything I can as a way of thanking the doctors who saved my life."

The charity dinner raised money through a sporting memorabilia auction, including signed football shirts donated by Premiership stars such as Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alick said: "Something like this really helps to put things into perspective. An aneurysm can absolutely affect anyone - you just never know. I have heard of lots of perfectly healthy people who are suddenly diagnosed with one.

"The message is to give generously to the charity because it could happen to you, a member of your family or a friend."

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