Fundraiser for wrestler’s cancer battle

A charity show this Friday (January 23) will raise money for a wrestler facing the biggest fight of his life.
Kris Travis shown during a wrestling match at Lancaster and Morecambe College in 2012.Kris Travis shown during a wrestling match at Lancaster and Morecambe College in 2012.
Kris Travis shown during a wrestling match at Lancaster and Morecambe College in 2012.

Kris Travis, one of the top wrestling stars in the UK, is battling stomach cancer at the age of 31.

Fans and grappling colleagues will rally around to raise money for Kris on a big night of wrestling at Evoque nightclub in Preston.

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Travis made the bombshell announcement last October that he’d been diagnosed with the disease.

The handsome and popular star had a tumour and part of his stomach removed and is having 18 weeks of chemotherapy, which is due to end in March.

An internet crowd funding drive has already raised more than £5,000 for Kris, who moved back into his parents’ home and has been unable to work while receiving treatment.

The Shooting Star Kris Travis Charity Fund Raiser Show, promoted by Preston City Wrestling (PCW), is expected to draw a big crowd of fans from all over the UK, with all ticket money going to Kris.

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Sheffield-based Travis, who wrestled at Morecambe Winter Gardens in August shortly before revealing his cancer battle, is regarded as one of the best grapplers in the country.

The athletic fan favourite has regularly main evented for PCW over the past few years.

He holds wins over top Americans including ex-WWE superstar Chris Masters, and faced current WWE NXT regulars Finn Balor (formerly known as Prince Devitt) and Kevin Owens (formerly known as Kevin Steen) in classic bouts.

Promoter Steven Fludder said: “I think it’s great I have an opportunity to give back to a man who has helped me grow PCW with his show stealing matches.

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“I also have to mention the personal support he has given me while I developed into the promoter you see today. The show is a great way to show that UK wrestling talent are appreciated and it serves a purpose higher than just helping one man.”

Britain’s top wrestlers will appear at the event, including some who have never competed for PCW before.

People I would not normally allow to be in the building I am going to be working alongside to help Travis and raise him money,” said Steven.

“Fans, staff and talent are all on the same page with no ego or agenda and that’s quite a rare occasion in this business.”

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Matches include PCW Tag Team Champions Team Single vs The Hooligans, Chris Masters vs Martin Kirby, Bubblegum vs ‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll, Doug Williams and Andy Wild vs Fight Club, and a battle royal. Travis himself will make a special appearance.

Kris also appeared on Challenge TV’s British Boot Camp 2 show late last year.

This wrestling version of X Factor saw UK grapplers compete for a contract with America-based TNA Impact Wrestling.

Travis got through to the final stages but had to pull out when he was diagnosed with cancer.

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Greg Lambert, The Visitor and Lancaster Guardian content editor, also PCW’s lead commentator, said: “Kris is a great person and such an incredible athlete in the prime of his life and career, so news of his disease came as a shock.

“He’s been dealing with his illness with great humour and dignity, and is an inspiration to everyone.

“The show will be a great spectacle as everyone involved will be determined to go all out, just like Kris does every time he steps in the ring.

“So make sure you buy a ticket, because every bit of money raised will help him in his fight back to full health.”

Tickets for the show are on sale Home — Preston City Wrestling.

You can also donate to the indiegogo fund-raising page HERE.

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