Veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has put up his inaugural World Test Championship final shirt on auction to raise funds for the treatment of an eight-year-old diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
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Southee, who played an instrumental role in New Zealand’s WTC triumph last week, is auctioning the memorabilia for Hollie Beattie, who was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer called neuroblastoma back in 2018.
Taking to Instagram, Southee wrote that he learnt about Beattie’s condition a couple of years ago and has been trying to help her ever since.
“Hey guys, I am auctioning off one of my shirts from the @icc World Test Championship Final to support @hopeforhollie. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Beattie family,” he stated.
“My family first learnt about Hollie’s story a couple of years ago through the cricket community and I have always been struck by the Beattie family’s perseverance, strength and positive attitude.
“Since hearing that Hollie required more treatment I have been trying to find a way to support in some small way,” the fast bowler added.
Despite receiving treatment for more than two years, Beattie is yet to beat the disease.
“I am hopeful that this shirt can help contribute in someway to the Beattie family’s ongoing medical needs as Hollie continues to fight. As a parent my heart goes out to them as they battle on.
“Any bid big or small is greatly appreciated!” Southee said.
Tim Southee took 5 wickets and played a valuable knock of 30 runs as New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets to lift the first-ever WTC title.
The marquee clash saw two full days of play being washed out due to rain in Southampton and there were fewer chances of a result in the favour of either side. But Day 6, which was a reserve day, produced the result after New Zealand bowlers bundled out India for 170 in their second innings.
(With PTI inputs)
