Judo champion Elvis Gordon is fighting cancer
Tuesday 28th December 2010, 9:45AM GMT.
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
UK Sport
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Absolute legend, get well soon big man.
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Elvis is a fantastic person a true sporting great and is loved and respected by all who meet him, expecially within the world of Judo. We miss seeing him on the mat and wish him a speedy and full recovery.
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Elvis is a much loved Judoka, he is respected by all who meet him even more so within the world of Judo. We miss seeing him on the mat and wish him a full and speedy recovery x
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Played football against him many years ago and he was always the perfect gentleman even if you fouled him.
Keep fighting Elvis!
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What a top bloke, always inspired to see him at school always has time for ya no matter what and always a winner
Keep Fighting Big Man cos your always a winner to me!!!
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Knew Elvis at Stafford many years ago…a star.
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hi elvis just heard about youre ill ness would like to get in touch with you and go over old timers when you worked for me at barrrys night club please try and get in touch hope to seeyou barry
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Hey big guy.. i remember you from back in the day … 1980′s i was still am good friends with tina and jane… from wolverhampton the hairdressers… u rock… keep strong u can beat this damn disease… praying for you and your family… keep it real and you will be blessed…
Kaye xxx
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Get Well Soon Elvis – A great bloke My thoughts and prays are with you for a speedy recovery
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Thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Get well soon x
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Keep fighting big man and get well soon.Had some great laughs back in the day at Park Village.Hope you recover quickley
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Hoping you make a good recovery for 2011, remember you from olympic training with the British team in 1980, all the best
hugh
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