News / crowdfunder
Bristol City academy coach appeals for help in daughter’s cancer fight
Former Bristol City goalkeeper Dean Gerken has launched a crowdfunder to support his young daughter Dixie as she battles cancer for the second time.
In less than a week, more than half of the £50,000 target has already been raised, with donations going towards medical costs, travel and supporting the family as they stand by Dixie.
Dixie overcame osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer affecting young people, in 2024, but is now facing secondary lung cancer.
“The return of this illness has brought emotional strain that no family should have to carry alone,” the organisers wrote.
“Between ongoing treatments, hospital visits, time away from work, and the countless unexpected demands that come with caring for a seriously ill child while also trying to maintain a sense of normality for her siblings, the weight has become overwhelming,”
Dixie’s mum, Roxanne, was forced to give up work again “after only just getting back on her feet”, while the family have spent £3,000 in one week “without receiving clear answers or the healing she so desperately hopes for”.
The weight of the fight facing them is “overwhelming” for Dixie and her family – photo: Go Fund Me
Roxanne and Dean, who made 53 appearances for the Robins between 2009 and 2013 and are currently club academy goalkeeping coaches, now “feel deeply that they have no other choice” but to turn to alternative and holistic treatments.
The crowdfunder read: “We are all desperate to see Dixie healed in a way that avoids putting her through further suffering.
“Rox and Dean feel strongly that these treatments offer the best chance for Dixie to recover with dignity, comfort, and hope and is reaching out for support to help make this possible.
“She continues to show courage, light, and determination even on the hardest days.
“Now, it’s our turn to stand beside her and her family, to lift them up, ease their pain, and remind them they are not alone.”
View this post on Instagram
During Dixie’s last battle with the disease, Bristol City players wore T-shirts emblazoned with ‘Stay Strong Dixie’ in solidarity.
Both the Robins and Bath City FC, where Dean was a goalkeeping coach, have voiced support for the family’s fight.
“Everyone at the club sends Dean and his family love and strength during this challenging time,” the Romans said.
Find out more and to contribute to the crowdfunder here.
Main photo: GoFundMe
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
