A YOUNG Prestwick cricket star who lost his inspiring mum to a brain tumour is following in her footsteps to help others battling the illness.

Euan McBeth’s mum Viv McBeth died in 2017, aged 44 from a brain tumour which had returned after she beat the disease more than a decade ago.

The cricket star, who has featured for Scotland under-19s, was just 15 at the time, but he remembers his mum as a determined fundraiser who helped raised an incredible £1.4million for the Brian Tumour Charity.

Euan, now 19, told the Advertiser: “My mum first got diagnosed in 2005. When it came back 12 years later it was more aggressive, it was a level 3 or level 4.

“I remember how involved she was with the Brain Tumour Charity, I went to certain events with her, some running events and bag pack collections.

“For the charity she raised £1.4million, that is a serious number for one person to raise.

“She created a cookbook, which told sold out. Me and my dad still use it. She’s still keeping us right.”

Cricket helped him through his toughest years and he was backed by Prestwick Cricket Club who is mum was also a member of.

Now the club have set their sights to continue the amazing work of Viv.

They first planned to virtually walk to famous Test grounds, such as The Oval, covering 380.7 miles.

Ayr Advertiser:

Now members have set their sights on 1,000 miles covering grounds such as Edgbaston and Ferguslie where the club enjoyed success winning the double, with the grand final at the Paisley ground.

On Friday, September 4 they walked 21 miles from the club in Prestwick along the River Ayr and back to the town.

Euan said: “Cricket helped me massively through everything. If I didn’t have cricket I don’t know what I would be doing. Near the end of my mum’s battle it was great to get away from everything, when I went to the club I was in my own bubble with the lads and it took my mind of it.

“It really took me by surprise that the club were going to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity, it’s certainly inspired me to do more.”

Ayr Advertiser:

The fundraiser was organised by Christopher Millar, backed by the club’s committee and members. Football team Glenburn MWFC are also taking part

Euan added: “It’s been great to see everyone get involved and do their bit. I want to thank Chris who has made such a difference since he has came in and Katie Sharkey of the Brain Tumour Charity who gave us all cupcakes, and has been a massive support.”

Donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pccwalk