Football / News
Fundraiser match for former Bristol City player receiving end of life care
A football match will raise funds for the family of a former Bristol City player and youth coach who is receiving end of life care.
The match between a Marvin Brown XI and Bristol City XI will “celebrate Marvin’s life, his love for football and his incredible spirit”.
A crowdfunder set up to support his family has already raised more than £43,000, with the game on November 9 at Twerton Park in Bath hoping to raise even more money.
Marvin became the Robins’ youngest ever player when he made his debut in 1999 aged just 16 years and 71 days.
Now 42, Marvin has been described as “the most chilled, kind-hearted, quietly funny person you’ll ever meet”.
“He believes deeply in stoicism, calm in chaos, and that strength has carried his family through every storm.”
Marvin Brown is a devoted husband and dad – photo: Brown family
After battling colon cancer, a chronic liver disease and a series of other health complications previously, Marvin was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare bile duct cancer in May.
Following failed attempts at finding a cure, he is now spending time at home with his wife Alexis and their two young daughters.
With no life insurance due to his pre-existing health conditions and Marvin no longer being able to work, Alexis is juggling between a full-time job, caring for their daughters and spending any remaining time with Marvin.
Our thoughts are with Marvin Brown and his family as they navigate this truly awful time… Bristol City’s youngest ever appearance maker aged 16 years and 71 days, who later went on to coach in the Academy… Read about his story here – https://t.co/46x7iTsXQy pic.twitter.com/r8hHJR1ueu
— BCFC Former Players (@BCFC_FPA) October 16, 2025
Describing the former football player’s optimism, the crowdfunder says that Marvin “is an incredible dad who made special handshakes with each of his daughters, a devoted husband who still made Alexis laugh every day, and the kind of person everyone roots for because he’s just so easy to love”.
“Even from his hospital bed, he’s joking with nurses and finding ways to bring light to the room. That’s Marv, always the calm to Alexis’ storm.”
The celebration game and fundraiser kicks off at 2pm on November 9 with 100 per cent of the gate money and a percentage of bar sales going towards Marvin’s funeral costs, household bills and memory keepsakes for his family.
To contribute to the crowdfunder, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-alexis-her-girls-as-they-face-the-unimaginabl
Marvin Brown represented England at under-16 and under-17, made 27 appearances for Bristol City between 1999 and 2004, and later played for other clubs including Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Weston-super-Mare
Main photos: Marvin Brown
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