Friends and family of a Dumbarton dad diagnosed with a brain tumour last year took to Loch Lomond in fancy dress to raise funds for research.
Super-fit father-of-two Kenny Collins, 43, was diagnosed with the low-grade tumour in September of last year.
The former rock band frontman had been suffering from bouts of symptoms for more than three years. But several visits to his GP and optician revealed nothing.
However, on September 9 Kenny was taken to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after collapsing, where a CT scan confirmed that there was a 3cm mass on his brain and he was taken for emergency surgery.
Kenny, husband to Lynsey, 42, and dad to Lewis, six, and Ella, 11, had an emergency operation to drain excess fluid from his head.
He then underwent a second operation to remove the tumour, but the surgeon could not remove all of it because of its dangerous location.
Further complications have since led to Kenny undergoing 10 operations and spending more than four months in hospital.
In support, members of the Loch Lomond Water Ski Club dressed as Santa, elves and even a giant flamingo and took to the chilly water of Loch Lomond on January 1 to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research and help find a cure for the disease.
Kenny’s father-in-law, Campbell Cavana, who is on the water ski club’s committee, said: “It’s such a shock how someone’s life can change so much, so quickly. We hope the money we raise will help to find out what can stop brain tumours.
“We were all so shocked when we found out. We expected Kenny to have an operation and get fixed, but he had a lot of complications.
“Kenny’s wound became infected, he developed meningitis and many further complications thereafter which has made his recovery very difficult.
“He has now had a total of 10 operations in his four months in hospital, spending most of his time between intensive care and high dependency.
“Kenny had a shunt fitted last week and it seems to be working. It has been so hard for Lynsey so it’s good to finally have some good news.”
After his initial diagnosis, Kenny’s friends Rhona Lappin and Leona McCarn Donnelly launched the crowdfunding appeal to support his family, with Leona telling the Lennox: “Kenny has always helped others during their time of need.
“Ironically, he completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk a few years ago to raise money for brain tumour awareness.
“His band, Logan, played a charity gig for The Clutha helicopter disaster.
“Kenny has always been a vivacious character, full of fun and banter. He doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol and exercises every day, ensuring he does at least 5k a day, running, walking or hiking.”
Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are so sorry to learn about Kenny’s diagnosis.
“We are really grateful to Campbell and everyone who took part in the fancy dress water ski as it’s only with the support of people like them that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours and improve the outcome for patients like Kenny who are forced to fight this awful disease.”
To donate to the fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jo-kelly16.
