Former Cricketer Raises $100K After Terminal Diagnosis

When Luke Woodcock couldn't catch a simple cricket ball at a coaching tournament last December, he knew something was terribly wrong.

The 43-year-old former New Zealand Black Cap had been battling mysterious symptoms for months. Chronic fatigue turned into vomiting, then his balance failed and his vision blurred.

Three MRI scans revealed the devastating truth on January 21: a large cancerous brain tumor growing in his brain. Doctors told the father of two he had 14 to 18 months to live.

"I've had some dark moments," Woodcock admitted. "Getting told you've got 14 to 18 months to live was a bit of a shock."

Three weeks after his diagnosis, Woodcock underwent urgent surgery. Surgeons removed 80 percent of the aggressive grade four tumor, but couldn't safely access the remaining 20 percent near his spine without risking paralysis.

Why This Inspires

The outpouring of support has been remarkable. Woodcock's brother Leigh set up a Givealittle fundraising page to help cover unfunded treatments and overseas medical options that could extend his life.

The response from New Zealand's cricket community has been overwhelming. Former teammates, players he coached, and complete strangers have donated generously, with the fund raising over $100,000 to support treatment options.

"A lot of people have reached out, people I haven't spoken to for a while," said Woodcock, who describes himself as a fairly private person. "It's been incredible."

His partner Jacqui Incledon has been researching every possible treatment option, frustrated by the four-month journey through ten different doctors before getting a diagnosis. Now they're investigating experimental treatments both in New Zealand and abroad.

Woodcock played seven games for the Black Caps and spent 17 years as a Wellington Firebirds stalwart before transitioning to coaching. He helped develop White Ferns star Amelia Kerr and other top New Zealand players.

Today, Woodcock focuses on what he can control. He wakes early for rehabilitation exercises, meditation and breathing work, then takes walks with Jacqui to local cafes and spends quality time with his kids.

Next week he's returning to part-time coaching work at Wellington College, determined to make every good day count before starting radiation and chemotherapy. The community that watched him play is now helping him fight for more time with the people he loves most.