Judo champion Elvis Gordon is fighting cancer
A legendary judo champion from the Black Country who became one of the sport's biggest international stars is battling cancer.
A legendary judo champion from the Black Country who became one of the sport's biggest international stars is battling cancer.
Ex-teammates of Elvis Gordon are supporting a testimonial fund set up by the British Judo Association in his name. The popular 51-year-old, who lives in Pendeford, won gold in the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.
He also won silver in the World Championships and was British champion 11 times.
Fellow Judo champion Neil Adams MBE has donated his treasured Olympic Judo Gi-Jacket along with other prizes in a separate fundraiser for his former British teammate. He said:"Even the strongest warriors need their teammates and friends to help them out from time to time."
The money will go to pay for medical treatment for Mr Gordon, a caretaker at Moseley Park School, Bilston, whose weight has fallen from more than 20st to 12.5st since the onset of the disease.
Before he became ill, he picked up a silver medal at the British Masters Championships in October last year after returning to the sport following a 16-year break.
The British Judo Trust has kickstarted the fund with a £1,000 donation and in a statement said: "Elvis is one of the best known judoka in GB history and we are asking his fellow competitors, teammates and friends to support him.
"The Trust has donated £1,000 to get the ball rolling and all the directors will be making personal donations. There is some urgency as we are planning to present a cheque to Elvis in January."
Neil Adams is aiming to raise £1,000 by Jan 1 in an auction by giving away prizes to three top donators.
Donations to the BJT testimonial fund can be made via bank transfer to the HSBC, reference Elvis, account name British Judo Trust, sort code 40-30-24, account number: 32536110.
To give prizes or cash to Neil Adams' fundraiser, people can donate by paypal to fundraiser@edojo.tv or make cheques payable to the 'BJA' for the attention of Donald Steel at the British Judo Association.
By Marion Brennan
