TOWNIE INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN LEVER!

This week we caught up with Kevin Lever, a man and a family that Town and RL has rallied around after some devastating news.

Updated 27/4/20 

HALF TIME DRAW RESULT!

The draw took place live on our facebook page on Sunday 26/4/20 and the winning number was 2727 - Laura Bernabe who amazingly donated her 50% back to Kevin Lever and his family. 

In total over £5600 was raised.

In addition to the amazing gesture by Laura, Kevin then donated £600 to the Kebsi13 fundraising initiative for ex-Town man and Ellenborough Rangers coach Kevin 'Kebsi' Gartland who has MND.

A fantastic gesture and a measure of the man to think of someone else whilst going through his own battles!

Rugby League family. 

It really is the best sport in the world!

#ourtown

Today we bring you an interview with Kevin Lever, a Townie who has been hit with some unexpected and devastating news after recently finding out he has cancer.

Kevin wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported him and his family so far.

Everyone connected to Workington Town RLFC is truely saddened by the news of your situation and as a club we wish you to help you and your family by providing as much support as we can.  

So you found out the news that you had Cancer towards the end of February, when did you know something was wrong ? Were there any symptoms or indicators that you would like to share that may help other people recognise that there could be something needing checked out ?

I have previously been diagnosed with a Bi-cuspid aortic valve which regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the aorta is the major way oxygen rich blood is moved around the body, the condition is managed/monitored but had been advised if I had any issues between appointments to go to A&E so around 11/2 I was taken to the hospital where a doctor ran routine tests and carried out a chest x-ray at the time everything looked fine and I was discharged. Over a week later I received a call to advise my X-Ray had been reviewed and there appeared to be a shadow, they asked me to go for a CT Scan on 25/2. I then had an appointment with a respiratory specialist on 27/2 who advised that he believed I had lung cancer based on the scan and I was sent to Carlisle the following day for a biopsy to be taken, it was then 10 days later (11/3) when I met the specialist again who confirmed it was definitely cancer which had already spread to my spine.

The only indicator I can recall is being slightly more out of breath than normal doing routine tasks, I had previously seen doctors with back pain which was attributed to lifting and my work as a plumber. Unfortunately I collapsed with a back problem and underwent emergency surgery on my spine, but I now wonder if the cancer was present at that time knowing how damaged the vertebrae were to warrant the surgery that I’ve just had to which was to inject a plastic cement into the severely damaged ones. 

You have a young family, how are they all ?

Toni took the initial news quite hard and got very upset as she had listened to everything the Doctor said ( I think I went into shock at the word cancer) however after having more time to adjust to the news Toni has been much stronger and supportive taking in all the information and making sure everything is organised for appointments and income due to me not being able to work at present.
Katelyn has been absolutely amazing and has taken everything in her stride as she is very understanding and trying to help both me and Toni whenever she can.

It must be incredibly difficult with the current restrictions in place, how are you dealing with the situation ?

With the current restrictions in place I’m finding the time quite boring especially given at the minute I’m unable to move very far, it also means I’m unable to see a lot of friends and family so they are all trying their best to keep my spirits high with messages and gestures such as the ones already organised.

We at 'Town' were informed initially through other concerned supporters who informed Chairman Les Smallwood and then one of your close friends Stephen Fawcett contacted the club directly and mentioned that your other favoured team St Helens' and ex-Whitehaven RL man Kyle Amor had sent selfie style video messages. 

Amor alongside the majority of Saints 1st team squad including superstars James Roby, Louis McCarthey-Scarsbrook & Johnny Lomax all sent messages of encouragement and to wish you well and Stephen asked if we would be able to do something similar with you being such a big Town fan too. 

As well as the video messages of support a couple of the current Town squad have exchanged mobile numbers and hope to keep in touch in the future.  

How does that support help ?

The support helps massively to keep my spirts up and my mental frame of mind focused to ensure I can be as prepared as possible to fight this and knowing that the players themselves have gone out of their way to send messages of support really means alot. Carl Forber gave me his number and said I could get in touch any time which is great as I'm a fan of Carl with his Saints links.

Our Head Coach Chris Thorman also called you directly, it must have been good to have a chat ?

Yeah had a good chat with Chris and it’s true what people say he is a top bloke and a really down to earth guy.

Obviously your a Saints fan and a Town fan, so if we played each other who would you want to come out on top ?

That’s a tough one, I would prefer a draw as I wouldn’t like to see either of my teams lose and would rather just enjoy the pints on the day if it happened.

To concentrate on your hometown team then, How long have you been supporting Workington Town ?

I’ve supported Town since as far back as I can remember. I'm mid thirties now so I was born in the 80's and I literally can't tell you, Town's just always been part of my life growing up, we had an excellent period early 90's, great team, big crowds and played and beat some of the best teams in the country, really great times and my bond has remained ever since.

Can you recall how you became a 'Townie' ? 

Just through my parents taking me to home/away games and even got the chance to watch them in the 1994 Premiership final at Old Trafford. 

Name your all time best Town 17 ?

1) Mark Mulligan 
2) Des Drummond 
3) Neil Frazer
4) Tony Kay
5) Stuart Cocker
6) Jarrod Sammut
7) Dean Marwood
8) James Pickering
9) Phil McKenzie 
10) Fui Fui Moi Moi
11) Martin Oglanby
12) Stephen Holgate
13) Brad Hepi

14) Colin Armstrong
15) Shaun Lunt
16) Rowland Phillips
17) Paul Penrice

Good side that Kevin, and who would you have as coach ?

I would have to say Chris Thorman as he’s doing a great job with current team and also his work in the community too.

Who is your favourite ever British born Town player and why ? 

I would have to say Dean Marwood as he was one of the players I saw play when I was growing up and I can remember his kicking game being outstanding.

Who is your favourite ever overseas signing ?

I would have to say James Pickering. You don't see many props that size with an offload and step of a centre! He was an absolute star, fans loved him, hard as nails, burst tackle after tackle and a real fans favourite. 

Who is your favourite RL player of all time and why ?

 Paul Wellens

 He was just a outstanding full back of the game and was just fearless when he step on the pitch, he could do it all. 

Who is your current favourite player from the Town squad and why? 

 Fui Fui Moi Moi

At the age of 40 and still doing what he’s doing is unbelievable always gives 100% on the pitch and just never gives up 

From a supporters point of view, before the impact of Covid19 how do you feel your club is progressing on and off the pitch ?

I believe we currently have a good squad of players and great atmosphere amongst them and I believe we can go all the way and hopefully gain promotion once the season is able to restart, off the pitch the club is second to none for the community work they are carrying out with local teams and for the area in general.

Is there any particular improvements or initiatives you would like to see the club introduce ?

None that I can think of at this time.

On matchday, what is your normal pre - match routine, I presume with a nickname like 'Stella' I can hazard a guess a pint or two is involved ?

Yeah there are usually quite a few drinks consumed on match days. We usually meet in the Station Road Club first before heading to DP then head to the popular side for Cider Pete's Rough and Ready Bar as I prefer the atmosphere on that side of the ground.

Do you have any superstitions ? Lucky scarf or top ?

No I don't have any superstitions, as long as any Town team give their all I'm happy, don't believe in that other stuff to be honest.

Who do you go the games with ? Is it a family affair ?

No, I go down with a few of my marras.

When we do resume, what do you see as a successful season ?

I would love to see Town promoted as winners but would consider it a successful season if we make the playoffs.

Your also a big supporter of Workington Reds FC, you must be very disappointed with the FA's decision to void the season, what is your view of the decision ?

I could understand if they had suspended the season in light of the current Covid outbreak but I believe voiding the whole season is a bit harsh and unfair to the supporters and the team.

As a club and board we see our role is to be at the heart of the community, using the club as a platform to help grow the game, increase participation in RL, support local initiatives and to try make Derwent Park a focal point for positive and inclusive activity.  

We have been able to help yourself alongside the Derwent Park Supporters Club by running a half time draw competition which currently has sold over 4000 tickets, with the likes of RL Vice-chairman Carl Hall, Rochdale Hornets owner Andy Mazey and ex -Wigan superstar Iafeta Paleaaesina all buying tickets alongside some of the current Town officials and players.  

Have you got a message you'd like to share with everyone and how will their financial support help?

Firstly I can’t thank everyone enough, Les, Chris, Scott and everyone who has been involved from the club and supporters club right down to the fans buying the tickets have all helped to keep my spirts high and I’m completely overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity at this time. 
The financial support will be a great help going forward not only as a little peace of mind with not being able to work currently and relying on my wife’s income, but also once I’m able to start my treatment (and hopefully clinical trials at Newcastle once this Covid outbreak is over) it will help towards transport costs and enabling my wife to be able attend the treatment with me for moral support.

Thank you Kevin, we're all behind you.