AN ENGLAND legend was on hand to help a girl battling cancer fulfil her dreams.

Kevin Keegan, former England player and manager, attended The Wolversdene Club’s annual Sportsman’s Dinner on March 9. 

The black-tie event is one of the club’s annual fundraisers and a highlight in its social calendar, but it was even more special for Rosie Rickards. 

Donations from the night were given to Rosie’s Road, set up after Rosie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2013 at the age of 11. 

She underwent months of chemotherapy, which led to sight loss and the loss of her hair, but in 2015 she was given the all clear. 

Unfortunately, in April 2018 a second tumour was found attached to her spinal cord, making it impossible to operate without damaging the cord, leading to paralysis. 

Rosie then had to undergo another even more aggressive form of chemotherapy, but to the point where it was doing more harm than good, and so her struggle is ongoing. 

A spokesperson for the club said of the night: “The evening was held to raise funds for this courageous girl. 

“Rosie did get to meet the legend Kevin Keegan before the evening started and Kevin was very happy to have his photo taken with Rosie and the family; he also signed a book and England T-shirt for her to keep.” 

Earlier this year Rosie went to see the Northern Lights after donations to help make the trip possible. 

And following the evening at The Wolverdene Club £3,000 has been raised to help with not only further adventures but also the travel costs to Rosie’s hospital appointments. 

“The family would like to thank all the Wolversdene committee and staff and all the companies, friends and families that got involved in making this a memorable evening,” the spokesperson added. 

For more or to help search ‘Rosies Road’ on Facebook.