 Thursday, 6th Mar 2025 15:46 by Chaff Inspired by Joe Thompson’s legacy and our own family’s Prostate Cancer diagnosis’ members of Team Hicks - Keith, Graham, Dan, Colette and Oliver will be taking on 3 challenges over March & April, the finishing lines being at 3 Rochdale AFC matches. Run from Rochdale AFC to Oldham Athletic AFC – 6.8 miles If you would like to sponsor our team to complete the challenges, please donate to one or both of the charities below: Prostate Cancer - most common cancer for men in Britain (1 in 8) TO DONATE: Graham Hicks is fundraising for PROSTATE CANCER UK TO DONATE: www.gofundme.com/f/Team-Thompson-against-cancer-again Everyone is welcome to join in part or all of any challenges: any queries please get in touch on 07861640958 or email Keith.hicks5@outlook.com. Keith’s story (ex-Oldham Athletic & Rochdale player plus Community Trust Manager) I only found out about Prostate Cancer after 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. I 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 me. Since then, I have been treated extremely well by the NHS with actions including three monthly assessments now down to half yearly to reassure me that everything is fine. I am really glad that I took part in the PSA Testing as I would be walking around unaware of my condition, not receiving the present attention but now looking to the future in a better frame of mind. I’m also taking part in the run and walk to show that at 70 years of age I’m able to take part in regular exercise, which benefits me both physically and mentally but the main message is that men over 50 should take a blood test, it could change mens’ lives dramatically. Graham’s story (ex-Rochdale player & Community Trust employee) Firstly, my mum has previously had and beaten breast cancer, I have previously done a fund raiser for this but now both my father and father-in-law are both in the process of being treated/monitored after being diagnosed Prostate Cancer. Therefore, I would like to raise funds to support the charity linked to this which is Prostate Cancer UK. Another reason is I have been associated with Rochdale AFC for a long time so have been inspired by Joe Thompson, a past pupil of St Cuthberts, who not only scored the goal that saved us from relegation in the 17/18 season but has battled cancer twice already and is battling this again. He is and has taken on numerous challenges/events trying to raise funds for both his own treatment and research into the cancer all of which is so inspirational so I would like to support this too. Dan’s story I feel lucky that I've always had good health, and that fortune means I've always been keen to support good causes as often as I can. Having had both my grandad's experience health problems, as well as other friends and family, contributed to this feeling of wanting to help however I can. As soon as my dad and brother suggested this challenge, I was eager to join in and give my time and energy to these worthy causes. Match 1: Run to Oldham Athletic AFC Match 2: Walk to Altrincham FC - Friday 18th April, 20 miles Match 3: Cycle to Rochdale AFC from AFC Fylde - Monday 21st April, 51.9 miles Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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