Former Dale player and Football In The Community stalwart Keith Hicks will be taking part in the Rochdale 10K run on Sunday 8th October to raise funds and awareness for The Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK, two fantastic organisations involved in cancer research.
Currently Prostate Cancer is the most common form of cancer for men with one in eight affected and over 50’s at a higher risk-it’s advisable that men over 50 should nip down to the local GP surgery for a blood test.
He’s involving the three professional clubs he’s been connected with for over 50 years namely Rochdale, Hereford and Oldham Athletic, sadly not competing presently in the EFL (English Football League) but high hopes for the future.
Keith only found out about Prostate Cancer when taking part in a Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal PSA testing day at a Rochdale AFC home match back in 2019 as the Community Trust Manager, feeling it was appropriate to attend, especially as Keith Hill, Rochdale’s manager at the time was there as well.
He was informed that there were no issues from that test but following a second PSA test the following season was diagnosed with a Gleason 6 Prostate Cancer, which really knocked him for six.
Since then, he’s been receiving treatment by the NHS with actions including three monthly assessments now down to half yearly to reassure that everything is fine.
Keith reports that he is really glad that he took part in the PSA Testing as he would be walking around unaware of his condition, not receiving the present attention but now looking to the future in a better frame of mind.
Over the many years he’s been involved with the Club’s Football in the Community Trust, they have regularly been involved in events that benefit Charities including the Manchester 10K Run, Rochdale 10K Run, run from Rochdale to Oldham Athletic, walk to Accrington Stanley, bike ride to Bradford City raising thousands for The Christie Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Rochdale Supporters Trust, Factor 50 Cancer Research (Ernie Cooksey) The Geoff Thomas Foundation, Team Ellis (Ellis Robinson)
Sixty nine years young Keith won’t be looking to break any records but the aim is to raise awareness for these two important charities and to complete the run without stopping/walking to prove that senior citizens can still be active.
To make a donation or for more information, search these websites:
www.the-bkpca.com and www.prostatecanceruk.org