Scotland announce vice-captain has been battling a brain tumour

Cricket Scotland have confirmed all-rounder Con de Lange has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The Scotland vice-captain was told the news at the start of the year but had chosen to keep the private until now with the appeal by his family for more support to be given to charities who deal with the condition.

More than £7,000 has been raised by the de Langes for The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause they say is ‘massively underfunded’.

The 37-year-old cricketer last represented Scotland in November against Papua New Guinea, and has made 13 ODI and 8 T20 appearances for the country.

Chief executive Malcolm Cannon said, “Cricket Scotland continues to support Con and his family and we have respected his wishes for confidentiality throughout this difficult period.

Con has been a superb servant to the game of cricket in Scotland and is a very popular member of the squad.

We are now delighted to help the cause by spreading the word throughout the broader cricketing family both at home and overseas and we know there will be an overwhelming level of support from this close-knit community.”

De Lange’s wife wrote: “Con and I are usually very private people, but sometimes you need to reach out to your friends. 10 months ago our lives were turned upside down when Con was diagnosed, completely out of the blue, with a brain tumour.

“This year has been tough, to say the least, with an operation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, a clinical trial, and a few hospital admissions along the way.

“With the recent loss of a good friend we had made along the way, we have been inspired to raise money for this charity that needs your help.”