Kevin Campbell battling 'health challenges'

If it's true he's in very poor health right now, then let's all shut our eyes and try and generate enough affection for him to get better.

My brother, who was a Youth player at Everton circa 40 years ago, got to know him via Twitter and they have ran a couple of podcasts on Kev's YouTube channel.

I had the pleasure of meeting him on a personal level at the Winslow before the Arsenal game and spending real time in his company. My brother prides himself on the fact Kev refers to him as a mate and maintains regular contact.

A massive presence, an absolute gentleman, and had time for everyone. Please get well soon Kev

But that's a totally different person. Hope it's just social media rumour re our Kevin and good luck to the other one...

Sound familiar?

I was away, so had to watch the Anfield derby on TV when he put that goal in right in front of the Kop.

The next morning I was briefing a senior Officer. My mischievous juniors had put a sign on top of the display screen reading "Everton win, Liverpool lose".

When it came to questions, he asked me what it meant, so I had to explain. He smiled!!!

Best wishes to Kevin. He made an impact on the pitch and also with the supporters.

I have a quick search on google. There are only two media outlets reporting this:- Scotlands Daily Record... and the ever accurate Liverpool Echo.

There is a bloke who was featured 11 years ago on YouTube called Kevin Campbell. A Canadian.

Grand Old Team has an article from February 2024 saying that he had been or was in poor health back then.

Other sites related to teams including such as Arsenal and Grimsby seem to be as confused but sending good luck, love and wishes etc. No one mentions a hospital that he is in and no formal confirmation.

I hope it is not true. Kidney failure is horrendous. Kev the Man is a True Blue Legend. Hope you are well, Old Boy.

They seem to imply that The Echo verified he was indeed admitted to hospital.

Vastly underrated striker right throughout his career but he was consistently very very good for this club despite suffering injuries at key moments.

I still recall to this day in 1999-2000, Kev's injury being the component to us having a poor end to that season

Love and support from us all.

He saved us in those 6 games and was even better in the first half of the next season and then suffered a bad knee injury and, whilst never the same player, he was still a good striker and an absolute bargain.

He always has a nice word to say about Everton and I have seen several people say he is an absolute gentleman and all round nice fella when he is out and about.

God bless Super Kev.

On August 13, 2023, the family couldn't get a hold of him at all. After many texts and phone calls we received no response. We knew he was in Pennsylvania, USA somewhere dropping off a load for work but not sure where.

After my mom, Tracey Campbell, made a lot of phone calls we found that he was in the Leigh Valley Hospital. He had called the ambulance to get him at the truck yard where he was dropping off.

The doctor told us that if he had waited another 24 hours that he would have not made it. Unfortunately, the damage was already done. They said that he has influenza A with Pneumonia and a bacterial infection. He is currently in a coma on a ventilator on his belly in bed.

His lungs, liver, and kidneys have been failing. He has a temperature of over 104 degrees which they cannot get down or know where that is coming from. He is experiencing kidney failure which the hospital has been treating with dialysis but it hasn't worked yet.

We thought we lost him last week and the doctors have been very bleak about his situation but we all know that Kevin is a fighter and he won't give up. The last thing he said before going under was for them to do everything they possibly could do to save his life.

One thing that I believe that we can all say about my dad is that he would do anything for anyone. A recent example would just be a couple weeks ago when we told him about a random kid on our son's ball team that didn't have a baseball glove.

Dad, who doesn't know this kid, wanted to buy the kid a ball glove ASAP and that was my last message with him before he went to the hospital. The amount of people that have messaged from all over the place about Kevin just tells us how many lives he has touched.

My dad probably wouldn't want me to do this page but I am doing everything I can to help his situation. He can growl at me when he gets better. I'm staying positive that he will come out of this!!

With that being said, I understand the situation and know that this can be such a financial burden of stress waiting for him when he gets out.

Not only are we unsure if the insurance will cover his medical care in the USA, we also know that the bills don't stop coming in. It's especially difficult being self-employed. I'm just trying to make this manageable for him when he gets back as not sure when/if he will be able to work again.

I appreciate everyone's kind messages and prayers and thanks for reading.

He is ill and was very poorly last week, but that's as far as its accuracy goes.

The latest update from Kevin's cousin is that he is aware of the rumours but he has said in his latest message that they are just that.

Kevin is currently facing some health challenges, but is battling them with his customary strength. Any updates will come from either Kev or the family.

An ice hockey player with the same name allegedly.

Still very very sad I know.

Yes, Mike Hayes is explaining that it is his dad, same name Kevin Campbell, who is seriously ill.

I've never met the second one but thoughts and prayers for him and his family as well as our Super Kev and whatever is ailing him. As Tony Abraham's correctly said he's a guy all Evertonians love.

Sincerely hope these rumours aren't true but I'm hearing all sorts from different people.

A Cockney lad but now regards himself as an Evertonian and never heard him say a bad word about the club or the fans, unlike some, hey, Anthony?

If, and it is a big If, it's true, get well soon, Kev, because, as Tony A said, there's not a blue that doesn't like you.

Get well soon, Sir.

The thing I like about Kev is that he seems to have the same level of respect for Everton as Arsenal — eg, the club where he grew up.

Granted he played very well for Forest and WBA, also Tranzonspor although the scum bag owner ruined the latter. But he seems really loyal to Everton.

I always felt like he was unlucky with injuries. He and Saha were both guys who when fit scored regularly for us. Unfortunately both had recurring injuries. Post playing career, he seems like a smart level-headed fair-minded guy.

It's amazing when you consider that boring boring Arsenal under Graham nabbed a fellow named Ian Wright who was ruthless enough they could cash in on the young Campbell and Andy Cole — who ironically also had a major kidney issue.

That era too also yielded the talented David Rocastle who died tragically as a young man.

Fergie said Saha wouldn't play unless he was 110% fit. Always made me laugh that one.

Mike, sorry to hear what you are going through. Good Luck to you as well.

Kevin Campbell is important.

So best wishes to Super Kev or whoever if he's been misidentified.

Lots of memories from on the field but also your support for Everton over the years since.

A true hero when we needed one, and a man who has never forgotten his time with us. I salute you, Kev, and wish you a return to full fitness!