Community rallies around former Black Cap after cancer diagnosis

Two months ago, former blackcap Luke Woodcock's world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The 44-year-old had surgery and was able to have 80% of the tumour removed, but the 20% left is an aggressive tumour which needs expensive treatment to help reduce.

But his community has quickly rallied around him. In an effort to raise money in the form of a gold tournament, 150 players packed out Boulcott's Farm today in support.

“I think medicine can do a lot... but I think support and leading with your heart can do a lot as well,” Wellington Blaze bowler Nicole Baird told 1News.

Woodcock said there has been "good and bad days" following his diagnosis.

“Two weeks now into the treatment, the radiation, the chemo, the hard parts there," he said.

"But yeah, as I said, some good days and bad days, but that's a six-week cycle, and then we revisit things after that."

Woodcock dedicated two decades to Wellington Cricket, excelling as a player.

Firebirds All-Rounder Oscar Jackson said Woodcock is “one of wellington's best”.

"In our changing room at the Basin Reserve, there's a list of all the guys that have played and the leading runscorers, and i think he's on every single one of them."

Following Woodcock's successful playing career, where he played seven matches for the Blackcaps, he’s transitioned to coaching the Wellington Blaze.

“He kind of taught me how to bowl left arm spin, so i think I’ve credit a lot of my success to him,” Baird said.

Now, his community are giving back in his time of need.

Woodcock's friend, Jamie Williams, said he hoped the fundraiser "gives him a boost".

"There's a lot of people who want him to fight and find a solution, so I think if we can raise the money that buys him time and potential different solutions, then they'll be an amazing outcome."

Longtime friend and former teammate Scott Mudgway said "it's incredibly sad".

“So obviously, you know, the hope at the back of everyone's mind that he pulls through but yeah, we just, just here for a good cause today and have a bit of fun and raise a lot of money for him."

Dozens of items are being auctioned and sold as Woodcock’s community look to raise more money, the turnout, and support has humbled the former Blackcap bowler.

“Well, it's a bit overwhelming, like it has been, I suppose, the last few weeks with everything, and the diagnosis that's gone on, and the news has got out of what cancer I've got," Woodcock said.

“Nice to see some people that I've been having connected with for a wee while.

“There's heaps of people here today to support, and main thing is just to have a good time and connect.”

Woodcock said things which were once easy are now more difficult, and he is sometimes "just not being able to do the normal things" which he has "been used to and I want to do".

“It's been basically a big six months getting to the point I am, working out what was going on.

"Prior to Christmas and yeah, that's probably the hardest part, just being able to do, even trying to play some golf or walking, running and things, just everything's a little bit harder and I've got to take my time a wee bit.”

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