Brickies and United raise cash to help beat prostate cancer

Sittingbourne v Hastings United on Saturday wasn't just a tense, exciting match, it was also Sittingbourne FC’s Prostate Cancer awareness day. Fundraiser Justin Foote was the driving force behind the day, and his inspiration comes from his personal history with the disease.

“In April 2019, I started to explore ways that I could do my bit for raising awareness of Prostate Cancer to say ‘Thank You’ for the treatment my family received. In February of that year my uncle had his Prostate removed, and then my Dad was treated at the Medway Hospital ,then in April 2020 after routine Blood and Urine tests at the London Bridge Hospital, it was thought that I had low level Prostate Cancer."

Justin, who was part of the London Stadium marathon walk with Sky Sports Presenter Jeff Stelling in September 2019, continued:

“After a long battle against the disease, a very close family friend sadly passed away in May 2021 of Prostate Cancer. Because of all of this I want to raise further awareness and funds to help beat a disease that currently kills 1 man every 45 minutes within the United Kingdom.

I really appreciated the support of the Sittingbourne football club community and the Hastings United fans in helping to fund the research to change the game and stop Prostate Cancer being a killer!” The fans of the two clubs raised £275 on Saturday.

Justin is currently in the midst of a series of marathon walks from May 2021 to April 2022 in support of the charity.

So far, he’s successfully completed the 42km Jurassic Coast Challenge along the spectacular Jurassic Coast through to Lulworth Cove, Dorset; a 40km walk from Rainham Cricket Club (Kent) to the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury when Kent hosted Sussex Sharks in the 20 / 20 Vitality Blast; and the London Stadium Walk – a walk across London’s Iconic Football Stadiums with Jeff Stelling.

He now plans to take part in two more walks – Gillingham FC to Charlton Athletic FC (Tuesday 15th March 2022 - 45km) and the Easter 50 Challenge (April 2022 - 50km) – Setting out from Windsor Racecourse.

You can donate at his Just Giving page, here.

Image: Ken Medwyn.

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