Celebrities, politicians and supporters united yesterday (Sunday 2nd February) at a Sellebrity Soccer match in memory of Ethan Treharne, who lost his life to an incurable brain tumour in 2021, aged just 17.
Cheered on by Ethan’s family and friends, a host of famous faces took to the pitch, including TV personality Calum Best (below left), online sensation the Singing Dentist (below right), and YouTube and Instagram entertainer Woody from Woody and Kleiny. Also in the squad were TV personality and former TOWIE star Dan Osborne, YouTuber and comedian ManlikeHaks, and football fanatic, social media influencer and content creator Cal the Dragon – as well as stars from EastEnders and Love Island, and an array of favourites from Married at First Sight.
Credit: All photos by Dominique Brocklehurst-Waite
The match, held at Sandhurst Town FC, was a fitting tribute to talented sportsman Ethan, on the weekend following what would have been his 21st birthday, on 29th January. The Berkshire teen played at Crowthorne Cricket Club; was a gifted basketball player for Bracknell and Wokingham College and Bracknell Cobras; a dedicated team member of Sandhurst Town FC from the age of four; as well as a safe pair of hands in goal for Aldershot Academy.
But aged 15 and preparing for his GCSEs, Ethan started experiencing severe headaches and slurred speech. He was eventually diagnosed with a glioblastoma, which despite enduring three operations, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment in Germany, eventually claimed his life.
“It’s bittersweet seeing all Ethan’s friends celebrating their 21st birthdays,” said mum, Nikki. “It really brings it home how much we miss him, but staying connected with his pals enables us to imagine what he might be doing with his life now.”
Determined to prevent other families from going through the pain of losing a child, yesterday’s Sellebrity Soccer match was the third such event organised by Fundraising Group A New Hope for Ethan, set up by Nikki and Ethan’s dad Justin. Raising funds to sponsor research in Ethan’s memory and bring hope to families affected by this cruel, incurable disease, the Group has already raised an incredible total of more than £60,000.
You can support the Treharnes in the fight to fund a cure – go to www.braintumourresearch.org/donate-now, giving your reason as A New Hope for Ethan.
Related reading:
Published Monday 3rd February 2025.