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Teammates' close shave is show of support for Wester Ross teenager; Ullapool football captain inspires funding boost for teen cancer charity


By Hector MacKenzie

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Stefan and dad Chris after their buzz cuts.
Stefan and dad Chris after their buzz cuts.

TEAMMATES of a teenage Wester Ross football team captain given a shock cancer diagnosis have offered a poignant show of support for their pal.

Stefan Mauger (15), who captains Ullapool FC, recently began treatment for a rare bone cancer which has resulted in his hair falling out.

His decision to go for a shaved look inspired first dad Chris, the club's secretary, and then many of teammates to follow suit in a show of solidarity.

A justgiving page set up to benefit the Teenage Cancer trust meanwhile has hauled in over £6000 within days, people from as far afield as the United States touched by his plight.

Stefan was admitted to hospital four weeks ago suffering back pain after a football match.

After tests in Dingwall and Inverness he was transferred to Aberdeen and quickly diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, Ewing's Sarcoma.

The S4 pupil, a sweeper with the Ullapool under 17s and a massive Liverpool fan, was transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to continue his treatment after his first round of chemotherapy.

Teammates of the popular Ullapool lad have shown their solidarity.
Teammates of the popular Ullapool lad have shown their solidarity.

His parents, Chris and Gina have been with him throughout.

After Stefan decided to shave his head, some of his team mates decided they would also like to follow suit.

The coaches made it clear to players that only those who wanted to should do it.

So far eight players and several coaches, players' dads and family members have gone for the buzz cut.

Community activist David Crook decided to set up a Justgiving page called Shavin4Stefan and ask people to donate to the Teenage Cancer Trust, chosen by Stefan,to make the head shaving into a fundraiser.

One of Stefan's pals shows their support.
One of Stefan's pals shows their support.

Mr Crook said: "We thought we might raise a couple of hundred pounds, but over the course of the weekend over 240 people donated a total of more than £5500. Donations have come in from across the country and as far as the USA. The family have been very moved by the support and generosity of the community and all those who have contributed."

To contribute go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stefan-teenagecancertrust

More news from Ross-shire.


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