CHATS HONOUR MEMORY OF DAD

CHATHAM TOWN proudly held a Non-League Day auction and collection yesterday to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK – a cause close to the hearts of chairman-manager Kevin Hake and his brother, general manager Gary.

The pair lost their dad, former Chats boss Tom Hake, to the disease that is the most common cancer in men.

Isthmian Premier Chats received a limited edition matchday pennant marking the ten-year anniversary of the charity supporting Non-League Day.

From wig-wearing, branded armbands and a unique match ball inscribed by men affected by prostate cancer, to multiple match day collections, ‘Man of Men’ badge-wearing, branded clubhouses, crossbar challenges and epic walks to games, the annual celebration has always caught the imagination across the game for those wishing to support Prostate Cancer UK. Gary said: “Us and Non-League Day is a match made in heaven, really. It’s a way of merging together our great loves in life which is our dear old dad, and football. We were keen to get behind the day to raise awareness of prostate cancer and also give our community a great day and celebrate all things great about the club.

“If I’m honest, until my dad was diagnosed prostate cancer wasn’t on our radar. You only really find out more when you are directly affected.

“Dad was a proper football man, and played at many clubs. He was old school, stiff upper lip, and never really went to the doctors until it became a real problem. “Hearing your dad has prostate cancer; it turns your world upside down. He spent 30 years saving other people’s lives as a fireman; now all of a sudden his life is in jeopardy. You just wanted someone to save him really. “Dad never wanted a fuss, even in his darkest hour. I think he’d be blown away the club are supporting Prostate Cancer UK, and very proud too.”