Celtic legend Frank McGarvey’s daughter has raised £25k for a cancer charity in a bid to honour her dad’s dying wish.
Following the 66-year-old hoops hero’s passing on New Years Day last year, Jenny Kane has been battling to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, reports Glasgow Live. McGarvey, who scored 109 goals in his 245 appearances for the Parkhead side, began experiencing extreme pain in 2022 which saw him visit doctors regularly – who were initially unable to diagnose the cause.
A CT scan revealed the presence of the deadly cancer after Frank, who was suffering from chest pains, loss of appetite and weight loss, was given painkillers and indigestion medication. Jenny previously told the Daily Record: “Dad went to the doctors five or six times in spring 2022 and was misdiagnosed. As a former footballer, he had a high pain threshold, but he was in agony.
“The doctors were giving him painkillers and indigestion medication which weren’t helping. It felt like no one was looking at the bigger picture and tracking how much weight he was losing.
“I had never heard of pancreatic cancer before, but I knew deep down there was something that wasn’t right. It took six weeks after his diagnosis before the doctors even started talking to Dad about treatment.
“Pancreatic cancer feels like the forgotten cancer. My Dad died in pain. No-one should have to go through that suffering.”
With a five-year survival rate of less than 8 percent, pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all common cancers. In Scotland alone, more than 900 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, and in the UK, 26 lives are lost to pancreatic cancer every day. With early diagnosis, survival rates improve—but the symptoms are often missed, delaying crucial treatment.
Daughter Jenny teamed up with Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland to fulfil the Celtic legend’s dying wish – raising awareness of the disease – following his death. Now two years on from Frank’s participation at Glasgow Central Station, she has helped the charity raise £25,000 for World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
Jenny said: “When my dad was diagnosed, he said to me, ‘Jenny, we need to tell people about this.’ That’s why our family is working with Pancreatic Cancer Action – to make sure others don’t miss the signs like we did. We’re fighting for earlier diagnosis, so no one else has to miss out on a future with their loved ones.”
Sean McGarvey, who was overwhelmed by the funds raised, added: “The £25,000 raised in memory of my dad is such a comfort to our family at this time. The work Pancreatic Cancer Action does is inspirational and reminds me of my dad’s plea at the end, which was to help others who have to face this awful disease. Thank you so much to the charity, and everyone who was involved in the fundraising.”
Joe Kirwin, Chief Executive Officer, Pancreatic Cancer Action, adds: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this incredible effort. Your generosity not only honours Frank’s memory but also supports our mission to improve early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”
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