A MUSICIAN and keen fund-raiser is fighting for his life in hospital after he was found to have a tumour on his brain.
Former rock band frontman Kenny Collins, from Dumbarton, has been hailed by friends for “always helping others during their times of need”, and he even raised cash for brain tumour awareness in the past.
Now his pals are going the extra mile in aid of Kenny and his family, who are facing a financial battle as well as an emotional one while he remains in hospital.
The 42-year-old suffered from tinnitus and headaches caused by stress for more than three years but repeat visits to the GP provided no answers.
But on September 9 Kenny’s life was thrown into chaos when he was taken to hospital after collapsing.
A CT scan confirmed there was a 3cm mass on his brain and Kenny was taken in immediately for emergency surgery.
Following an MRI scan on September 19, Kenny underwent a nine-hour surgery to remove the shadowed mass on the back left hand side of his brain and he has remained in hospital since.
To add to the nightmare, the dad-of-two had recently resigned from his teaching job and was about to embark on his “dream career” working with vulnerable young people.
His friend Leona McCarn Donnelly has launched an online fund-raiser in hopes of helping his family financially through the traumatic ordeal.
She told the Reporter: “He has always helped others during their time of need. Ironically, he completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk a few years ago to raise money for brain tumour awareness.
“His band played a charity gig for The Clutha helicopter disaster. These events, along with the tireless work Kenny has undertaken to support and educate disadvantaged young people, are only some of the amazing accomplishments so far in his life.
“As if it hasn’t been terrifying and worrying enough for his family, the past few months have declined into an extremely and difficult time.
“He has been fighting hard to get through this to get back home.
“The family is devastated that this has happened to Kenny, and while trying to always be strong, are struggling with the pending uncertainty.”
Although his biopsy results showed that the tumour is benign, Kenny currently remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit, battling a number of serious infections.
He has endured six trips to theatre – five of which were emergency – and was placed in an induced coma twice since being admitted to hospital last month.
Friends and family have since completed the 10k Loch Rannoch Marathon in aid of the musician and his family.
Leona added: “It was difficult and the conditions for the first half were tough, but the thought of the challenges that Kenny and his family are facing kept us going.
“We are now keen to organise a concert in the New Year to raise further funds. We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Kenny and his family so far.”
To donate visit the Go Fund Me page.
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