ALL they've had is each other.
Bev White, 66, and her son Stephen, 26, have always been tremendously tight.
``Well, it's just been me and her since we came to the country,'' Stephen said.
That was in 1987. He was born in Wales and was five when Bev decided to return to the Dandenong district after her marriage didn't work out.
She thought she was unable to have children, but was pregnant at the age of 39. Her father said it was a blessing.
People who know the Whites know the bond between mother and son is so strong that nothing could break it.
And as Bev fights an illness that she knows will eventually get the best of her, Stephen is constantly by her side.
``He's my shadow,'' she said. ``He's looking after me very well. He doesn't venture far.''
Bev was diagnosed with cancer 12 months ago.
It has progressed from the cervix and uterus to her liver and bowel, and there are spots on her bones and lungs.
She is having chemotherapy, not to attack the cancer, but to prolong her life.
Her poor health has saddened the sporting community she served so diligently and enthusiastically.
Bev got involved in sport as soon as Stephen started playing football at Dandenong West (now Dandenong Redlegs) and cricket at Lyndale.
She held every position at Dandy West - president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer and for 10 years ran the office of the Southern Football League.
``Southern Football League, this is Bev,'' was the cheerful voice people heard when they rang the SFL.
She scored for Lyndale for many years, earning life membership, and was secretary of the Dandenong and District Cricket Association.
``That's her. She wants to get in and help. Can't help herself,'' Stephen said.
The football club is returning the favour, putting on a fundraiser for Bev this Saturday, August 8, from 7.30pm, at Greaves Reserve. She can count on a big turn-out.
Her popularity was highlighted at the Southern league presentation last year, when her illness was announced. Two big cards went around and get-better-Bev messages soon covered them.
``She always did what she could to help the clubs, and the clubs appreciated it,'' former SFL president Tony Troon said last week.
``I took the cards in to her at Moorabbin (Monash Medical Centre) and she was rapt. Meant a lot ot her.''
There has since been a regular flow of cards, phone calls and text messages.
Bev is grateful for the support, and for the night that's been arranged.
``I think it just started off as a bit of a thank-you, a little do, but it's got bigger than Ben Hur,'' she said.
``I'm happy they're doing it. It’s a chance to say goodbye to people who I might not get a chance to say goodbye to.''
She considers herself lucky for the chance to spend time with Stephen and tell him her stories. That opportunity was denied her when her own mother died suddenly.
When the Leader caught up with Bev last week, she and Stephen had just returned from a trip to Bairnsdale to see her brother and nieces and nephews.
The 3 hour journey had tired her. She has days good and bad, but she tries to be positive.
``I don't know how she does it. I wouldn't be able to do it,'' Stephen said.
In the past weeks and months many people in local football and cricket circles have commented on her courage in the face of such a sinister adversary.
``We'll you can't give up,'' she said. ``If you give up you just die. Too right. Gotta keep going.''
Last Modified on 06/08/2009 12:57