A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Marvin Brown, a Calne dad and former professional footballer who is now receiving end-of-life care after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer.
Marvin, 42, lives in Calne with his wife Alexis and their two daughters, aged 11 and 8. The fundraiser aims to help the family with essential costs and to give them time together without financial pressure as they face the months ahead.
Marvin began his career with Bristol City, becoming the club’s youngest ever first-team player at just 16 in 1999. He went on to play for Cheltenham Town, Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare and Chippenham, later moving into coaching and management, including a spell as joint manager of Corsham Town.
Away from football, Marvin is known for his calm nature, dry humour and deep love for his family. Over the years, he has lived with a number of serious health conditions - including ulcerative colitis, a rare liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and colon cancer in 2022.
In September, doctors diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer that has since spread. Because of his long-term health issues, Marvin was unable to secure life insurance, leaving the family facing both emotional and financial strain.
The funds raised will help cover household costs, funeral expenses when the time comes, and create memory boxes for his daughters, filled with keepsakes and letters from their dad.
A charity football match will also take place on Saturday 9 November at Twerton Park, home of Bath City, bringing together former teammates, friends and supporters to celebrate Marvin’s life and raise further funds for the family.
People in Calne are being encouraged to rally behind the Browns — by donating, sharing the fundraiser, or helping to spread the word locally.
Donate or share the page here: Help support Alexis & her girls as they face the unimaginable
Marvin, Alexis and their daughters are part of the Calne community. Every show of support, large or small, will help them know they are not facing this alone.
Ticket available here: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/82r1ieaa/marvin-brown-fundraiser-match
*A sad update on this article - we have been informed that sadly Marvin passed away today - our thoughts are with his family and friends .
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