Port District, Andrew Jarman hold fundraiser for much-loved coach Lee Whitehorn during brain cancer battle

One of the state’s biggest local footy clubs has joined forces with an AFL and SA footy great to show support and raise funds for an assistant coach battling cancer.

A local footy club has joined forces with an SA footy great to show support for an assistant coach in a major battle with brain cancer.

Port District senior assistant Lee Whitehorn was diagnosed with brain cancer 18 months ago and was recently informed by doctors that the tumour had progressed to stage four.

With Whitehorn out of work during treatment and facing the prospect of having just months left with wife Laura and sons Max and Jack, Port District decided to hold a ‘Legs for Lee’ fundraiser for the senior coach.

Hundreds of players, staff and volunteers turned out to ride, walk or run from the club to Henley Square and back for drinks and a barbecue over the weekend to raise thousands of dollars for Whitehorn and his family, while former Crow Andrew Jarman also attended in club gear.

“It was a bit of a surprise to be honest, I know that our footy club certainly rallies as a community when someone is in need but it wasn’t something I was expecting,” Whitehorn said of the fundraiser.

Lee Whitehorn (front, left) celebrates the 2022 division one premiership with fellow Port District coaches. He is in the midst of a major battle with brain cancer. Picture: Port District Football Club

“It was really humbling and significant for my family and I, and it took me a good couple days to actually take in all of the kindness and support everyone showed us.”

Whitehorn, who also hosts a podcast called ‘The C Word’ aimed at educating people about the challenges of cancer and supporting those with it, has been part of Port District for 35 years and was awarded with a life membership as part of the weekend’s event.

Now 45, he started as a junior at the club and has since taken on committee and volunteer jobs as well as coaching, playing a significant role in the Magpies’ division one Adelaide Footy League premiership last year.

Andrew Jarman does a lap of Largs Reserve during the 'Legs for Lee' fundraising event. Picture: Port District Football Club

“I fell in love with the club as a junior just watching all of the great senior players play after trainings and on game days.” Whitehorn said.

“It’s always been a family club as well without a doubt and everybody is prepared to help others.

“When I was diagnosed I found myself thinking “how am I going to get through this? What’s the solution?” and a lot of it was to stay involved at the club – it has a range of people who don’t poke and prod me about the cancer but are there to help me in different ways whenever I need it.

“They’ve made a huge difference for us as a family and I can’t thank them enough – it means so much.”

Jarman drinks from the premiership cup. Picture: Port District Football Club

Club president Craig Brown said he was proud of the players and the club overall for helping to support Lee.

“There has been an outstanding effort from everyone – club, committee, players, volunteers,” Brown said.

“The turnout we had over the weekend was terrific.

“He’s been a big contributor to the club and I’

To support Lee and the Whitehorn family, follow this link.