Black Cap Tim Southee is fresh from playing in the pinnacle of cricket and winning but the sporting success has been given immediate context for the opening bowler and parent.
Southee is auctioning off his World Test Championship playing shirt to help fund cancer treatment for 8-year-old Hollie Beattie.
Southee, currently in MIQ managed isolation after returning from New Zealands historic victory in the World Test Championship final, has placed the rare piece of sporting memorabilia on Trade Me to raise funds for Hollie and her family.
Kane Williamson and Tim Southee hold the World Test Championship Mace after victory over India.
Hollie was first diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer called Neuroblastoma back in July 2018.
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Following a number of devastating setbacks, including having the cancer return as a brain tumour after the removal of the main tumour, a round of chemotherapy and beating the disease in her bone marrow only to have it return, Hollie and her father John are currently in Spain for treatment separated from the rest of the family.
Hollie’s mother Jo and big brother William are also in MIQ, after just returning to Auckland.
The Beattie familys strength serves as a great reminder that whatever we may go through on the cricket field with success and failure its nothing compared to the challenges faced by those suffering with their health like Hollie, Southee said on the auction post.
Black Caps run machine combines with young England star in matchwinning knock.
The Spain treatment was initially for a trial to target the cancer in her brain and spinal fluid but in yet another blow, Hollie’s bone marrow relapsed and she had to be removed from the trial.
Hollie is now undergoing immunotherapy for relapsed Neuroblastoma in bone marrow but it comes at an astronomical cost and she may be in Spain for the remainder of the year.
Southee, who took five wickets in the World Test Championship final win for New Zealand over India, said as a parent his heart goes out to Beattie and her family “as they battle on”.
The opening bowler said he has always been struck by the Beattie familys perseverance, strength and positive attitude.
Hollie Beattie pictured two years ago with one of the bat grips that were being sold to raise funds for her treatment.
I am hopeful that this shirt can help contribute in someway to the Beattie familys ongoing medical needs as Hollie continues to fight, Southee said on the auction post.
By Tuesday night the auction, which closes at 8.15pm on July 8, was up to $36,000 after 194 bids.
The Black Caps have been involved in a number of initiatives to help the Beattie familys Hope for Hollie fundraising campaign for treatment via crowdfunding page Givealittle.
Martin Guptill used a customised bat decked out in Hollies favourite colours in a T20 match against the West Indies late last year and Tom Blundell scored his maiden century at the MCG in 2019 with a specially designed bat grip that were being sold to raise funds for Hollies treatment.
Southee’s playing shirt has been signed by all 15 members of the Black Caps World Test Championship final squad.
Proceeds from the auction will go towards a brave 8-year-old’s treatment costs for a rare form of cancer.
