WARM-HEARTED SAINT PHILL IS ON THE MARCH
FOOTBALL fans are to march to the arch of Wembley Stadium in the fight against prostate cancer – with St Albans City’s Phill Coates putting his best foot forward.
After more than £1 million was raised last year from their flagship walking campaign, Prostate Cancer UK have set their sights on their next big walking challenge.
Starting at four different Premier, Football League and Non-League clubs, a legion of walkers and football fans representing a range of different clubs plan to march 26 miles to the home of English football, Wembley Stadium.
The routes begin at Sutton United, Millwall, West Ham and St Albans City. Each route is via other football clubs who have put their rivalries aside to support the cause.
Clubs who have joined forces include Crystal Palace, Fulham, Chelsea, QPR, Leyton Orient, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
The South-West route puts AFC Wimbledon and Brentford on the map, whilst the fourth starting point to the North of London includes Watford and Barnet.
Once at the famous Wembley arch, former Tottenham and England keeper and Prostate Cancer UK ambassador Ray Clemence will meet the walkers.
Clemence said: “I’ve been lucky enough to play at the home of football domestically on several occasions, had the privilege of captaining my country there against Brazil and have also coached from the sidelines.
“It’s shaping up to be a brilliant event and one that will really help raise awareness and shape change.”
One football fan marching for the cause is St Albans City’s community manager, Phill Coates. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, he received surgery in October 2014 before eventually getting the all-clear.
Since then he’s taken part in multiple cycle rides, including the London to Amsterdam bike ride, and various other marches to raise money for the charity and awareness of the third highest killer in the UK.
He told The Non-League Paper why this upcoming march is so important and why football is just as crucial in spreading the word: “Football grounds are mainly male-orientated, meaning encouraging players, former players and managers does make people think about it. There is a hush around it still as men are not very good at talking about things. However, there is more talk about it in general now.
“It’s a simple pin prick on your arm which could end up saving your life.”
The community manager also spoke about his involvement in the upcoming event. He said: “My family are taking part and it’s nice to have your family supporting the cause. “There’s something about Wembley that makes you feel quite emotional, being greeted there and presented with a medal.” The march to the arch will take place next Sunday, July 22, with routes starting at Sutton United, Millwall and St Albans City still available to join for a £30 registration. Email https://prostate canceruk.org/footballmarch for the route beginning at West Ham.