CT Feature


medication. But he couldn’t cope with two viruses at one time. If he had had them separately then he may have been fine, but because of his chromosome deficiency his immune system was very weak.” – Rhys Foran.


On the 24th of August 2015, Cooper lost his brave fight and sadly passed away.


The tragedy of losing a child will be hard for many of us to comprehend. However, the Foran family have found the strength to focus on giving back to the hospitals involved in Cooper’s care – the Bristol Children’s Hospital and UHW. Several fundraising events organised by Rhys have been a great success, with more planned for the future.


Cooper`s legacy now lives on in Cooper FC. The football team is fundamentally a group of mates, playing a sport they love while raising money for Coopers’ charities. The idea is a simple one – both teams have to raise £150 each (generally £10 per player), and all the money is given to charity. Cardiff County Council have provided pitches for free, and the university have reduced costs for hire of the 3G pitches at their Llanrumney campus. Local companies are also supporting Cooper FC. Olympia Design have donated a tremendous looking kit in purple and white, and they are also making hoodies for supporters, they are available on request – rhysforan@yahoo.co.uk. Dragon Designs have provided posters which go on the side of the pitch when matches are played.


The Wolfs Castle in Llanishen have been wonderfully supportive. They have allowed Cooper FC hire of the pub for fundraising events free of charge, as well as taking a local children’s team that Rhys coaches, Lisvane Panthers, under their wing. They welcome the boys back for sausage and chips on match days; community spirit at its best! Opponents have been supplied by Molson Coors. Thornhill AFC veterans (The Legends), Waterloo FC and now Peter Alan Estate Agents, who will also be playing on 11th February at Ball Road, 11.30am).


A local community have come together to keep Cooper’s memory alive and help other families who face similar challenges. None of this could be done without the dedication and strength of the Foran family. They have achieved so much in aid of their real life little superhero.


If you would like further information on future matches, can offer sponsorship, or would like a Cooper FC hoodie, please contact Rhys on the email address above.


I’d like to thank Rhys Foran for kindly providing Cooper`s Story.


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