Fundraiser set up for Alice Springs footballer Michael ‘Ringo’ Drover, who has inoperable brain tumour

“Hang in there mate, you’re in our thoughts”: Well wishes and funds have flowed for a celebrated Red Centre footy player and young father facing the end of his battle with an inoperable brain tumour.

A GoFundMe has been set up for a beloved young footballer Michael (Ringo) Drover, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020.

A young father and talented Red Centre footy player who endured rounds of treatment for an inoperable brain tumour is now facing the end of his fight, with his beloved family calling on the community for support.

A GoFundMe has been set up for 26-year-old Michael Drover, also known as Ringo, who is in the final stages of treatment after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

The Alice Springs local grew up in the town camp of Hidden Valley, and has had a lifelong love of footy.

Mr Drover, a father of one son, has been described “as the child who always had a smile on his face, no matter what was happening” and as a person who always brought joy to those around him.

However, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020, and has since fought on enduring several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy in the years since.

Initially it appeared the treatment had slowed the growth of the tumour, but in August 2023 it grew again and could not be stopped.

Mr Drover has held a lifelong passion for AFL football as a supporter of the West Coast Eagles and as a player, having played a pivotal in Federal’s under-18s premiership win in 2016.

A GoFundMe has been set up for a beloved young footballer Michael (Ringo) Drover, who is in the last stages of an inoperable brain tumour..

The club extended their love and support for Mr Drover and his family in February, celebrating him for his successful performances.

“The Feds Family want to extend our love and support to former Feds U18s Premiership Star Michael Drover and his family who are going through some very tough times,” their post read.

“Michael played an integral part in the 2016 U18s Premiership and was a much loved teammate during his time at Feds.

“Hang in there mate, you’re in our thoughts.”

Claire Perrott set up the GoFundMe to ensure Mr Drover and his family had the chance to make memories before it’s too late.

“As Ringo has grown into a young man, he has proven to be an incredible role model,” she wrote.

“Not only his own family, but all who have met him.

“He was always the one to encourage his sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews to stay in school, play sport, get the part time jobs. He has been the rock in the Drover family.”

She said the funds raised from the campaign would allow him and his family to have the financial freedom to enjoy family outings and events, before final wishes and arrangements needed to be made.

Any funds left over will be placed into savings for Mr Drover’s son.

As of June 4, 2024, more than $5000 had been raised for the footy player.

If you wish to donate head to https://www.gofundme.com/f/ringo-drover-and-his-family-in-his-final-stages-of-cancer