The Gerken family are asking for donations, which will all go towards medical costs, travel and supporting Dixie, her siblings and parents, as she faces secondary lung cancer having previously fought with osteosarcoma.
10:13, 16 Apr 2026Updated 10:14, 16 Apr 2026
Dean Gerken in action during his time at Bristol City(Image: Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
A fundraiser has been launched for Dixie Gerken, the daughter of Bristol City academy coach and former Robins goalkeeper Dean Gerken, in order to raise money to help her and her family as she fights cancer for the second time in her young life.
The Gerken family are asking for donations, which will all go towards medical costs, travel and supporting Dixie, her siblings and parents, as she faces secondary lung cancer having previously fought with osteosarcoma.
Dean Gerken, now an academy goalkeeping coach at the Robins High Performance Centre, spent four years at Ashton Gate as a player, featuring 60 times for the Robins between spells at Colchester United, Darlington and Ipswich Town.
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On the fundraiser’s GoFundMe page, friends of the Gerken family wrote: “We’re reaching out with heavy hearts to support our dear friend and their family during an incredibly difficult time. Their young daughter, Dixie, is bravely facing cancer once again, a battle no child should ever have to fight, let alone twice.
“After showing such strength and resilience during her first fight with osteosarcoma, Dixie is now facing secondary lung cancer. The return of this illness has brought emotional strain that no family should have to carry alone. Between ongoing treatments, hospital visits, time away from work, and the countless unexpected demands that come with caring for a seriously ill child while also trying to maintain a sense of normality for her siblings, the weight has become overwhelming.
“Roxanne, Dean and her family are determined to source the very best treatments possible for Dixie. After carrying out extensive research, they strongly believe that Dixie needs more than what is currently being offered and is committed to exploring holistic options that focus on true healing rather than further pain and distress.
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“This journey has not come without sacrifice. Roxanne has had to give up work yet again, just as she was beginning to get back on her feet, in order to dedicate her time and energy to Dixie’s care. In the past week alone, she has already spent over £3,000 on consultations, appointments, and various treatments for Dixie without yet receiving clear answers or the healing she so desperately hopes for. This reflects the extent of her determination and the urgency of the situation.
“The financial burden of pursuing these alternative and holistic treatments is significant, but they feel deeply that they have no other choice. We are all desperate to see Dixie healed in a way that avoids putting her through further suffering. Rox and Dean feel strongly that these treatments offer the best chance for Dixie to recover with dignity, comfort, and hope and is reaching out for support to help make this possible.
“Dixie is a fighter. She continues to show courage, light, and determination even on the hardest days. Now, it’s our turn to stand beside her and her family, to lift them up, ease their pain, and remind them they are not alone.
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“Any contribution, big or small, will go directly toward medical costs, travel, and supporting the family so they can focus on what matters most: being there for their daughter and getting Dixie the treatment she needs.
“If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping them in your thoughts means more than words can express.
“Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this heartbreaking time.”
At the time of writing, £26,068 has been raised for the Gerken family by 765 different donations, over 50 per cent of the set fundraising target of £50,000.
You can donate, if able to, to the Gerkan family’s fundraiser HERE…
Bristol Live wishes Dixie, Dean and the rest of the Gerken family well at this difficult time.
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