Andi Peel, 30, from Groby, Leicestershire, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in January 2020.
The otherwise fit and healthy Carphone Warehouse manager started getting strong headaches in August 2019. By January 2020, his headaches became so severe that he had to pull over when driving. On 20 January, he went to Leicester Royal Infirmary and had an MRI scan, which revealed a mass on his brain.
Ross Bland, 34, who has known Andi for 15 years, said: “When I was told he had a GBM, it completely crushed me because I knew the prognosis is not good.
“It was devastating because he’s like my little brother. We met through basketball and we’ve played in many teams together, and we created our own successful team, Ferndale Fury, together in 2013.
“Andi’s brain tumour has taken over everything. It’s horrible to watch the way he has declined because of it.”
Andi had the tumour removed at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Ross has brought together friends and players from across the basketball leagues who are connected to Andi through the sport. Proceeds from the game on 17 April (noon) will go to the Brain Tumour Research charity.
The match will take place at the Morningside Arena before the Riders BBL clash with London Lions.
Ross said: “It’s going to be incredible and big thanks go to the Leicester Riders. Everyone’s come together, and it’s all through Andi and basketball.
“Brain tumours are hugely underfunded and more needs to be done. Brain Tumour Research is important to me and I want to do everything I can for them.
“Andi’s been involved in organising the event, and it’s given him a new lease of life.
“We may be too late to save Andi, but we want to help others avoid what he’s going through.”
Donations to the fundraising effort can be made at the game, which takes place at noon on 17 April at the Morningside Arena, Leicester, or using the button below.
