Former Phantoms Hooker Marc Bainbridge was always known for punching above his weight. In the world of the 19 stone front row behemoth, to have a hooker who was truly in the shadow and not much short of half the weight of those either side of him, it took a special player to not only survive, but thrive in that environment. Well it appears these fighting qualities were not confined to the rugby field or to Marc himself as the whole Bainbridge clan have had to stand their ground against the toughest foe of all - an illness that threatened to take one of their own. Marc takes up the story......

"My brother, Craig Bainbridge, was diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer in Nov 2009. At the time Craig was residing in Dubai, working as a teacher. Due to some complications with his School’s Medical Aid in Dubai, and his desire to return to his family for is chemotherapy, Craig has been left without any medical aid cover. In Oct 09, prior to being diagnosed with Cancer, Craig was rushed into the Dubai Neuro/Spinal Hospital to remove a Brain Tumor that had formed over the front left quadrant of his brain. Fortunately Craig was at this point still covered by his medical aid and his school then paid privately for the 14 Radiation Treatments that were required to ensure that the Brain Tumor would not return, as the Schools Medical Aid policies had now lapsed and Craig was no longer covered by any policy. The School were then unable to get Craig back onto his previous Medical Aid policy, as during this period he was diagnosed with the Cancer.

Craig is currently receiving his Chemo through the Joburg Gen hospital, under the supervision of Dr Nosworthy, from the Donald Gordon Medical Centre. Whilst Craig is happy to receive his treatment at the Joburg Gen, as his only desire is to be given a chance to fight his Cancer, we as a family are trying desperately to get his treatment done through a private clinic, still under Dr Nosworthy, to ensure that where ever possible we can afford to speed up his treatment and ensure he is afforded some relative comfort during his fight against this disease.

Through private fundraising activities we have been able to cover some of the additional expenditures and some private treatments, as well as covering any additional costs caused due to other illness, not yet covered by Discovery. Although we have already joined Craig to Discovery, his treatments will only be covered from 2011 and there is also a 3 month exclusion period on any Dr’s appointments, even if unrelated to his Cancer. As the Chemo weakens Craig he is more susceptible to illness and this is causing a great burden on him financially. During the Christmas period, he was diagnosed with 3 Deep Vein Thrombosis’s that prevented him from leaving the house, as the clots could cause a Heart Attack or Stroke, this is caused from the Chemo thickening his blood. The treatment for his DVT’s we covered through our private fundraising as well as the PET scan he need before he started his first round of Chemo, however we are constantly in need of additional funds to keep this option available to Craig.

Although Craig was originally diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer, the PET scan performed prior to his first Chemo treatment, revealed that Craig’s Cancer was moving very aggressively and had now begun to spread into his Lungs, Liver & Spleen. This means Craig’s course of Chemo is very aggressive to combat the Cancer, but this obviously brings about its own problems, in terms of Craig’s susceptibility to illness".

In true Marc Bainbridge style, he didn't accept the hand fate had dealt his brother, instead he decided to make a difference by cycling around South Africa in support of his brother with the aim of raising the funds that could save his brother's life. Cycling a distance of 3000km has raised a total of 60,000.00R (£5400) and it doesn't stop there as Marc has registered the Bainbridge Believe Project as a charity and is planning more events over the coming year, including endurance runs, swims and of course bike rides. Marc again takes up the story.....

"I humbly request any financial support you or your company may be able to offer Craig during this period, and would like to ensure you that all funds received are used solely for the purpose of Craig’s treatment and any other health related issues that may arise during his fight against his Cancer. If you are able to help, please contact us on the details below so I can furnish you will the applicable banking details. If you are unable to help financially but would like to offer any other support or idea’s, please feel free to contact us. http://www.backabuddy.co.za/charity/profile/bainbridgebelieve"

As a former teammate of Marc's I know of few others who are able to set their minds to achieve something and then do it as well as Marc and I have no doubt that he and indeed Craig will both suceed with their goals. We always say once a Phantom always a Phantom so if you are a former teammate of Marc's or indeed even if you have just read his story and been inspired to donate then please do so...every Rand or Pound will make a difference!!