Helping rugby dad be there for daughters
Many Harlequins Women and rugby fans have weighed in to help a rising star’s father diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumour, raising more than £126,000 of a £250,000 target to try to ensure he can enjoy important family moments, including his daughter’s burgeoning rugby career.
Simon Cromack, aged 51, whose 18-year-old daughter Ella, played for England U18s in the Six Nations and recently scored her first professional try for Harlequins against Exeter, was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 16 November 2023, having noticed he was becoming clumsy and disorientated.
He says his wife Steff is “my rock” and Ella and Nelle, a budding showjumper, “have been truly incredible about the whole thing — it has blown us away how grown up and incredibly supportive they have been.”
His brother Jason is leading the campaign to raise funds to pay for additional, life prolonging treatments after an operation at the John Radcliffe.
Coaching daughter Ella
Ella’s rugby achievements have brought huge enjoyment and, says Simon: “I would like to take all the credit — my sport was always rugby and I played to a fairly good standard for Henley Rugby Club - but I was nowhere near her level.
“I have only been part of her journey in rugby. She has already played for England U18s at the Six Nations and from that she got spotted by various clubs and Harlequins wanted to take her on. Amazingly, she has played in every game so far, albeit coming on as a replacement this season. We were all there to see her score her first Premiership try. She is doing incredibly well.”
His brother Jason adds: “Simon is being modest, he coached Ella from the age of 12 to 16 at Newbury Rugby Club and then Reading Rugby Club.
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“Glioblastoma is something that doesn’t come up until it hits you. We don’t really know enough about it and there is not enough exposure. The treatments are fairly limited, but are advancing and there are options out there to prolong life.Photo credit: Simon Dael
People wanting to give back
“The whole purpose of the fundraiser is to give Simon time to see the girls fulfil their dreams. Simon has been a massive part of the Henley community. He has done a lot of charitable and community work, such as fundraisers for Henley Rugby Club and supporting his local village during Covid. I think that’s coming through just from the number of messages from people wanting to give back. We are humbled by it and feeling a hell of a lot more positive. Simon can start booking appointments with the private consultants and for the additional treatments which will run alongside what the NHS are doing, which is amazing.
“The NHS have been incredible so far and we truly hope someday soon these additional treatments and more research into brain tumours will become mainstream, especially as the results from the trials have been positive.
As Simon waits for his debulking operation to try and remove as much of the tumour as possible, the family spent Christmas together.
Simon says: “We had a lovely time enjoying ourselves and going to the BigGame15 at Twickenham. It is always in the back of your mind but we are together as a family and as a team.”
To make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page.
