Former Novel Zealand cricketer Luke Woodcock, 43, is battling a terminal brain tumour, a diagnosis that came after months of increasingly concerning symptoms. What began with fatigue and loss of appetite late last year quickly escalated, ultimately leading to the devastating news in January.
Woodcock, who represented the Black Caps in seven white-ball matches between 2010 and 2011, and enjoyed a 17-year first-class career with Wellington, first noticed something was amiss in October. He initially experienced chronic fatigue, followed by random bouts of vomiting and a diminished appetite. As the months progressed, his balance and coordination deteriorated, his vision blurred, and he suffered several falls. The turning point came during a coaching session, where he found himself unable to perform basic cricket skills.
“You’d think that I had never played cricket before,” Woodcock recounted, highlighting the alarming nature of his declining physical abilities. After multiple visits to his general practitioner, he was referred to a neurologist, and subsequent MRI scans revealed a large cancerous brain tumour on January 21st. Urgent surgery followed three weeks later, with surgeons successfully removing 80% of the tumour, but a portion remained in a critical location.
Despite an initial positive recovery exceeding doctors’ expectations, Woodcock was later informed that the remaining 20% of the tumour was an aggressive grade four, and terminal. “Unfortunately, it’s terminal and getting told you’ve got 14 to 18 months to live was a bit of a shock… That was obviously pretty tough,” Woodcock said, adding that he has experienced hard moments adjusting to the prognosis. He is now preparing for radiation and chemotherapy, treatments aimed at managing the tumour’s growth rather than eliminating it entirely.
Navigating Treatment and Support
Woodcock and his partner, Jacqui Incledon, have faced challenges navigating the New Zealand healthcare system, exploring both publicly funded and private treatment options, including potentially expensive treatments overseas. Incledon detailed the lengthy diagnostic process, noting that it took several months and multiple medical consultations before an MRI was ordered. “It really started in mid-October last year – we had a total of 10 different doctors that we saw up until Christmas and four ED [emergency department] visits before we even got to an MRI, which was frustrating,” she said. Faced with a three-month wait within the public system, the family opted for private surgery to expedite the process.
A Givealittle page has been established by Woodcock’s brother, Leigh, to help alleviate the financial burden of treatment and support the family. Woodcock expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the cricket community and beyond, noting the outpouring of messages from former teammates and friends.
Impact on Coaching and Cricket Community
Woodcock’s diagnosis has resonated throughout the New Zealand cricket community. A former stalwart of the Wellington Firebirds, he transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional play in 2019. He was part of the coaching staff for the Wellington Blaze women’s team, playing a role in the development of current White Ferns captain Melie Kerr.
Kerr, a right-arm leg-spin bowler, spoke fondly of her time working with Woodcock, recalling his tactical insights and willingness to help players refine their skills. “In the women’s game you’ve seen spin dominate the game, left arm spin dominate the game, so I loved to apply and abuse his shoulder and practice facing a lot of left-arm spin in the nets against him,” Kerr said. She also highlighted the joy of celebrating the 2024 T20 Super Smash title with Woodcock, sharing a cherished photo of the two with the trophy.
White Fern Maddy Green also praised Woodcock’s influence as a coach, describing him as generous with his time and deeply passionate about the game. Jess Kerr, another Blaze and White Fern veteran, described him as a “teddy bear” with an exceptional work ethic.
Despite his health challenges, Woodcock is determined to remain involved in the sport he loves. He is planning to return to part-time work at Wellington College next week, finding solace in continuing to contribute to the development of young cricketers.
Woodcock’s story is a testament to his resilience and the power of community support. While facing an incredibly difficult prognosis, he remains focused on making the most of his time and cherishing moments with his family and friends. The cricket community continues to rally around him, offering encouragement and assistance as he navigates this challenging journey.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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