Lincoln Greaves: New dad loses battle to brain cancer after two overcoming two kidney transplants

A new dad has tragically lost his battle to brain cancer, after inspiring his community by overcoming two kidney transplants.

Lincoln Greaves sadly passed away on December 24, 2022. Photo: Supplied

Lincoln Greaves was dealt many blows in his life, but he did it all with a smile on his face.

The beloved Broadbeach footballer, young father and husband sadly lost his battle with brain cancer on Christmas Eve.

But Greaves’ legacy had long been imprinted on the Gold Coast already, after going through two kidney transplants due to complications from a major football injury in his youth.

20 years ago, Greaves’ mum Wendy donated her kidney to her son, but when the kidney didn’t last as long as doctors had hoped, dad Lionel donated his own kidney to his then 32-year-old son.

Lincoln Greaves with his mum Wendy and dad Lionel at Nobby's Beach. Pics Adam Head

It was a burden Greaves took in his stride, using his football talent to represent Australia at the World Transplant Games as well as with the Transplant Australia Football Club.

Despite it all, he “never winged, never sooked about any cards he got dealt”, said friend Simon Kalaba.

Kalaba first met Greaves in 2006 when he came from Redlands United to Kalaba’s club, Broadbeach United.

A friendship formed almost immediately.

Lincoln Greaves sadly passed away on December 24, 2022. Photo: Supplied

“He had an infectious smile and aura about him which attracted people to him,” Kalaba said.

“He loved life. He lit the room up wherever he walked but he had no idea it was happening, he was never seeking attention.

“He never whinged and just got on with it, he never sooked about any cards he got dealt.

“He was hard as nails, just took everything head on. You would look at him and think ‘you lead, I’ll follow’. But off the (football) field he was a teddy bear.

“He was easy to look up to.”

Greaves leaves behind his wife Ramona and newborn baby Lea, along with his brothers Travis and Harley, and parents.

It was Greaves love for his family that helped him make it to his brother Travis’ wedding day on December 22, two days before his death.

Lincoln with wife Ramona and baby Lea.

Kidney transplant recipient Lincoln Greaves at 27-years-old from the Gold Coast is preparing for the World Transplant Games later this month.

Travis took to Facebook to share his own grief.

“He put up a big fight and hung in as long as he could,” he said.

“He has been the most amazing brother, husband, father and son.

“We can’t imagine life without him.”

A celebration of Greaves’ life will be held on December 4 at Somerville Funerals in Nerang.

To support Ramona, Lea and Lincoln’s family, donate through GoFundMe here.

Transplant Games press conference at Northcliffe SLC. Photo of athlete Lincoln Greaves giving his best impersonation of Atlas.