Former goalkeeper Venugopal who is awaiting liver transplantKayamkulam: Venugopal (46) had made several stunning saves as a goalkeeper for his football team, Friends Club, Prayaar. However, in real life, Venu is struggling to save his own life.
When football lovers around the world are enjoying the game’s biggest tournament, Venu is admitted to hospital for treatment of a liver disease which is threatening to take his life.
Doctors have told Venu that a transplant surgery costing Rs 25 lakh has to be performed to save him. Venu’s wife Sheela has expressed her willingness to donate a part of her liver. Coming to Venu’s aid, residents of his native village along with Friends Club are exploring all means to raise the money. However, they feel that without the support of many others, the surgery cannot be conducted.
Venu worked as a driver and his health issues started after a bout of jaundice. It was during treatment at a private medical college in Ernakulam that the debilitating liver disease was detected. Venu is undergoing treatment here for the last three months. Doctors have said that liver transplantation surgery should be done urgently; otherwise, other internal organs like kidneys would also be affected and Venu’s life will be in danger.
During tests, it was found that Sheela’s liver can be transplanted on Venu. However, the family cannot afford the big amount needed for the surgery. The members of the Friends Club, relatives and the people of the village are helping Venu. But their support is not sufficient to meet the expenses for the surgery. Moreover, follow up treatment would need Rs 50,000 every month.
The education of Venu’s only son Nandagopal, a plus two student, is also in jeopardy.
Local people have formed a committee to help Venu. Its chairperson is the president of Devikulangara grama panchayat and convener is S Sreejith. The committee will hold meetings at all wards in the panchayat from June 21 to 24 and will conduct house-to-house visits on July 8 to collect as much money as they can. An account has also been opened in the Oachira branch of Canara Bank. Account no: 3583101009081. IFSC code: CNRB0003583. Phone: 9895401315.
