You can count yourself as lucky if you have a really good friend.

Really good friends are often not found in the places you think; sometimes they appear at times in your life when you thought you’d made all the mates you were likely to have.

Sometimes they come from the spark of a passing conversation and develop through common interests and let’s be honest, coincidence.

We have one such friend- or actually a whole family. From the first conversation, it was obvious that we were going all going to get on, the sense of humour, the shared interests- it was inevitable that our paths should cross.

It turns out that this family are well-loved in Exmouth and have been quietly supporting our community for a few years now.

The Callands ran the Budgens that used to be on Brixington Parade and now run the Budgens on the Seafront.

Superb customer service has always been their forte, evidenced at no time more than during the pandemic when they were the first shop in Exmouth to deliver food to people who couldn’t leave their homes.

Head of the family, Dave (although we know it’s actually his wife Lucy that’s in charge) has always done his bit for charity too and I can remember all sorts of challenges he would run in the Brixington shop to raise money for good causes.

They’re salt of the earth and a super-strong family unit.

Imagine how terrible it is then, to learn that these lovely people are going through something as a family that’s completely devastating.

Having been a strong, active, sporty young lad, the Callands' 21-year-old son Zac was diagnosed mere weeks ago with an aggressive Stage 4 Brain Tumour.

There’s nothing you can say in this situation that can possibly make it better, but what has happened is that the rugby family of Exmouth, are rallying round to fundraise for the Callands, so that they can create memories together whilst Zac can still enjoy them.

To this end, there is a Rugby Match being held on Friday 17th November for all Colts age players (U16 & U17) with a £10 fee to play and open to any player from any club. It’s being held at Exmouth Rugby Club, kick off at 7pm and promises to be a great evening of rugby. The bar will also be open and there’s a band playing (Phase 90, playing indie pop, rock and Britpop covers).

The evening is being organised by Mark Long (contact 07824 318030) who is taking details of anyone who wants to play, and there’s also an auction happening online for some really great prizes – you’ll find it on Facebook if you search for Mark or Lisa Long.

We can’t change Zac’s diagnosis and we can’t ease the pain the family are feeling, but we can do our bit to support this event and show the Callands just how much they mean to us in Exmouth. Let’s get the rugby club packed out on November 17th.