Ian touched by show of support
By Mark Stevens
4/9/18
Signed limited edition prints of Exeter Chiefs duo Jack Nowell and Gareth Steenson are among a number of items that will be up for auction until tomorrow night (8pm) in aid of former player Ian Stewart.
More commonly known to many in and around the club as 'Danger' - Stewart was earlier this year diagonosed with kidney cancer and this is the second of two events being held this week to raise funds for the former full-back.
On Sunday, over 500 turned out at West Exe High School for a charity netball day put on by West Exe Netball Club, of which Ian's two daughters - Brownen and Freya - are both members.
Tomorrow, the second event will see an online Facebook auction at 8pm, where the prints, plus at least 25 lots will be on offer.
Up for grabs will be a copy of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final programme, involving New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, signed by 26 of the 31-man Kiwi squad; a signed England rugby shirt; a signed photo of Pele; a signed shirt from Somerset and England cricketer Dom Bess; tickets for Chiefs' home games against Gloucester (Premiership) and Bath and Harlequins (Premiership Rugby Cup) and personal one-on-one training sessions with former Chiefs Tom Johnson and Matt Jess.
Ian said: "I am completely humbled and totally grateful to West Exe Netball Club for what they are doing. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer earlier this year, and although our hopes were high that by removing my right kidney I would be cured of the vile disease, unfortunately that's not the way it played out and the cancer has spread.
"In our hour of need, our extended family, West Exe Netball Club planned a charity netball day, specifically for the Stewart family. The club have been a massive influence on both of my girls, taking two very shy and quiet girls and turning them into very confident and outgoing young ladies.
"I will be forveer grateful to the club just for the influence on my girls, but to organise a charity day for me and my family to help us when the going will be tough is something beyong my wildest wishes."
The auction is taking place on Facebook now and runs until 8pm and can be found at this link, by clicking here