‘More to life than football at these times’
Club rivalries have been swept aside on Leeside as football supporters rally to raise funds for Leeds AFC hero Micky Buckley, who is fighting leukaemia.
Friends and family asked the people of Cork to help with Micky’s hospital bills and the people responded by donating over €20,000 in less than 24 hours to his GoFundMe page.
The well-known and much-loved Leeds AFC senior manager was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia some time ago and, although the early prognosis was decent, treatments since then have not helped his condition.
Since news of his illness emerged, messages of positivity and support have poured in for Micky.
Midleton FC wrote: “Best of luck and speedy recovery to Micky from Midleton FC, more to life than football at these times.”
His own club Leeds AFC also sent their support: “We wish our senior manager Micky Buckley the very best of luck as he continues his treatment against chronic myeloid leukaemia.
“To try and ease the financial burden on Micky and his family a GoFundMe page has been set up and all donations big or small are welcome for the man who gives up so much of his time for our club!”
Micky, who is being looked after at St James Hospital in Dublin, now requires chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant which he will receive from his brother Garry, who thankfully is a match.
He has been in hospital since 10 February and will soon begin his treatment which will continue for the next 3 months.
A message accompanying Mickey’s GoFundMe page read: “Every family has been touched by cancer so ye can all relate how rough it is and how much of a weight it can hold on a family.”
The message continued: “All funds raised will be one less thing on his mind and ease the burden on his partner Carol, his 9-year-old son Lachlan and wider family, who will travel to Dublin to be by his side on a regular basis and will also help with accommodation for Micky near the hospital 24 hour care which he will require for a few months after his treatment.”
To donate to Mickey’s GoFundMe page, visit gofundme.com and search ‘Micky Buckley’.