Oliver's magical day with the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
15/10/19

Meet 11-year-old Oliver Brown, a special little boy from Plymouth who is sadly suffering a life-limiting and extremely rare disease.

On Saturday, Oliver - along with parents Mike and Nicky, as well as younger brother Benjamin - were our guests of honour for the Premiership Rugby Cup encounter between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears here at Sandy Park.

Having learned how Oliver, who was diagnosed with Myelodsplastic Syndrome - a blood cancer affecting four children per million worldwide - was recently given the terrible news by specialist consultants that there was nothing more that could be medically done for him, we felt we needed to help brighten up the lives of this rugby-loving family.

Not only were the four of them giving the full VIP treatment, including a look around the facilities, including checking out the Chiefs' changing room and training areas prior to kick-off, but they got to meet a number of the first-team players, as well as Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, who presented Oliver with his own pink Chiefs kit, as well as goody bags for him and brother Benjamin, who himself plays rugby for Plymstock Albion Oaks.

Representatives from BT Sport and Hawkeye also helped add to the whole experience for the family, allowing them to part-take in a special TV interview and to learn more about the HIA process that occurs for players forced from the field having picked up a head knock.

After which the family were then able to sit back and relax and take in the action as the Chiefs sealed themselves a place in the semi-finals of the competition, courtesy of a 42-19 victory.

It was the latest in a line of magical, memory-making days out the family have had since their heart-breaking diagnosis back in May. Not only are they creating Oliver the best and most fun experiences, but they are ensuring Benjamin has some awesome memories as well.

And it seems fun is the way to go. Despite being told he only had a matter of weeks to live, Oliver is still here, still enjoying himself over four months later.

To read more about Oliver's story, click here