Invicta dig deep for Dix

Ryman League Folkestone Invicta have confirmed that the proceeds from their final pre-season game are going to the family of club stalwart Mick Dix whose wife is bravely battling brain cancer.

Ryman South Invicta are playing Conference South neighbours Dover Athletic at the Fullicks Stadium on Saturday 3 August and are hoping for a bumper gate to help support Dix, pictured, whose wife Heather has been unwell since just before Christmas when she was first diagnosed.

Dix, manager Neil Cugley’s long-term right-hand man and assistant manager, has understandably been absent from the club while caring for his wife who continues to battle against the illness.

A frequent visitor to Cheriton Road before she was struck down, Invicta say she has supported her husband throughout his football career, first as a player with Folkestone and a number of other Kent clubs, and subsequently through his spells in management at both Hythe Town and Invicta.

Invicta’s Football Secretary Richard Murrill confirmed this week that the fixture would now serve as a benefit game Dix and his family and urged supporters to turn out in force.

He said: "The gate receipts for our game against Dover are being donated to the Dix family. Sadly, Heather Dix was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2012, since then she has shown great determination in bravely fighting her battle which has even amazed the health professionals.

"She is a real football lady, being the daughter of the late Frank ‘Titch’ Himsworth, a legendarily tricky winger with the old Folkestone Town club. We hope that as many people as possible will support this worthy cause. Our thoughts continue to be with Heather and Mick and their family."