Robert "Dutchy " Holland

In March this year Robert "Dutchy" Holland was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme. Since starting treatment, Robert has experienced a decline in his memory, speech and ability to care for himself due to swelling in the brain. High dose steroids have been able to control the swelling and improve his quality of life.

The continued use of the steroids will eventually lead to problems with strength particularly in Robert's legs, so the doctors have suggested use of a drug that is not under PBS for brain cancer patients, with the aim to aid reduction in the swelling. To trail this drug it will cost up to $30 000. The first dose has cost just under $5000. If successful the steroids can be weaned and hopefully Robert will remain more stable in his function and speech.

We hope to raise money to fund the drug and any remaining funds will be donated to the Mark Hughes Foundation in honour of Robert.

Robert and Carolyn would never ask others to help in this way so we are doing it for them. Robert has put so much of his life into playing and developing cricket both in Newcastle and across Australia. We hope that the cricketing community can help support the funding of this medication as currently having the best quality of life is the most we can hope for.

Brain cancer has such a poor survival rate and more research is needed to stop other families having this experience these losses in the future. Brain cancer is unlike many other cancers as it does cause significant changes in a persons personality, ability and communication from a very early stage. So the more we raise the more we can help in this endeavor to improve survival and outcomes.