Rugby veteran defies prostate cancer and fractures from a freak fall to make farewell appearance as Ken Amer's Westray All Blacks take on Caithness Viking Evergreens
A group of Caithness rugby veterans are turning out this weekend to help give a kenspeckle adopted Orcadian a final hurrah in the sport.
Ken Amer has defied the odds to make an appearance in the game being staged in Westray on Saturday.
The 68-year-old, who runs a photography business, is living with prostate cancer, having been given a terminal diagnosis in the summer of 2022.
After plans for the game were firmed up, Ken was badly injured in a freak fall from the slipway behind Stromness Museum on June 20 during a work assignment.
He was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and treated in the intensive care unit for facial fractures, the loss of teeth and damage to his lips.
Undaunted, Ken has made a good recovery and never doubted he could make his swansong on the pitch.
The charity testimonial pits Ken's Westray All Blacks versus Caithness Viking Evergreens.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I don't think you would be able to term it a run-out for me, but I'll definitely be getting stripped and taking the field.
"While I can't run now and can walk only short distances, I'll be involved in some way."
A native of Forres, Ken had not played rugby before he moved to live in Orkney in 1985.
"I was 39 when I had my first game. I had always been fairly fit and I suppose had the advantage of not having played before so I wasn't battered and bruised.”
Ken played for Orkney Seconds and in the island's internal league in the '90s. He made one appearance for the Firsts away to Newton Stewart.
"They were really struggling for guys to travel and I was available," he recalled.
Ken, who started as a full back but ended as flanker, had his last game as a 63-year-old – one he recalls with less than fond memories.
"It was a testimonial and I ended up getting involved in a wee spat with Derek Robb. I tackled him and he stepped on my foot and we both ended up being sent off.
"It was no big deal and we shook hands before we left the pitch."
Saturday's game stemmed from a chat between Ken and Orkney RFC stalwart Erland Drever in March.
"He asked me if I wanted to play my last game in Westray.
"I agreed right away. If nothing else, it will help eradicate the memory of my last game."
Ken said he remained committed, even in the wake of his fall. While his facial injuries have largely healed, he continues to feel leg and back discomfort and attributes the onset of sciatica to his tumble.
His farewell appearance is appropriate as he played against Westray in one of his first games of rugby.
Ken has publicised his experience of prostate cancer to help promote the message of men getting themselves checked regularly and the life-saving impact of early diagnosis.
He is on a tablet and injection regime which, he says, allows him to live with the condition.
"It's not affecting me other than the odd heart flutter, losing a bit of hair and putting on a bit of weight."
Looking back, of course there have been down times but I look at life very positively.
"It's not getting me down. You have to look ahead, not behind.
"I have always wanted to live life to the full and cancer is not going to get in the way."
Erland Drever said the testimonial is well deserved.
"Ken has been a very familiar figure around the club for many years,” he said.
Orkney Photographic have been covering the club's games for well over 30 years.
"I really thought that after his fall, the game wouldn't happen but he was determined that it would go ahead.”
The match kicks off at noon. It will be followed by a barbecue, a disco and live music.
Proceeds from the day will go to Orkney Prostate Awareness, the charity set up by Ken.
