My Story
Thank you to everyone who has supported my Pink October campaign over the past 6 years. Thanks to this support the campaign has raised a staggering £78,000 for Cancer Research UK, which is absolutely amazing. This will be my 5th time supporting Cancer Research UK and the need for support has never been more urgent. Over Cancer Research UK’s 120-year history, they’ve been at the forefront in the fight against cancer by investing in the highest quality research. But their fundraising income isn’t enough to fund all the excellent research that comes through their doors. They’re having to say no to incredible research that has the potential to save lives. In 2023-24, 1 in 5 high-quality projects to explore the fundamental biology of cancer had to be turned away because they couldn’t support them. This kind of research could not only accelerate our understanding of why and how cancer develops, but it could lead to new ways to prevent, detect and treat it. They also invest in early career researchers who will go on to set the research agenda of tomorrow and futureproof progress in cancer research. In 2022, over a quarter of high-quality applications made by promising future leaders couldn’t be supported. This is disappointing. We have to find a way to support all the exceptional applications so that we can continue to find ways to beat cancer, but also to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of scientists who will keep driving progress. And that’s why we need your help. We need you to join our relentless race against cancer. The more money we raise, the faster we can change the outlook on cancer. By investing in our scientists and their vital research, we can prevent, detect and treat cancer so that everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. My reasons for supporting Cancer Research UK stay the same. In my family, 3 of my grandparents have suffered with bowel and prostate cancer. Thankfully, they have survived it and are healthy and enjoying their lives to the fullest extent. My aunt's mum and nan's best friend both had breast cancer and unfortunately passed away. Raising money towards cancer research is something that is important to me, simply because I've seen people so close to me suffer and, in the worst cases, lose that fight. I am using the colour PINK, which is associated with Breast Cancer and the month of October, Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and money for Cancer Research UK. During the month of October, I will, as a professional footballer for Colchester United, wear pink football boots and dye my hair pink, hoping that this will create a visual aid and a buzz that will encourage people to donate and, in future, run their own fundraising activities.
