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Football world backs cancer appeal

The football world has once again thrown its support behind the N&N Hospitals Charity to raise money for the Acute Oncology Service at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Former England, West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool footballer Joe Cole and BT Sport presenter and Norfolk-born Jake Humphrey are among those backing the appeal.

Teams from across the country, and further afield, have donated a selection of amazing prizes, including a Liverpool Cap signed by Jurgen Klopp, signed Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, West Ham, Norwich City and Arsenal shirts, a signed Chelsea shirt and ball and a shirt signed by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane.

It follows similar donations for a raffle last year which raised money to help purchase a piece of equipment to treat ovarian cancer patients.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being introduced at NNUH, which will soon be used for hot chemotherapy baths to the abdomen at the end of surgery for ovarian cancer.

Both campaigns have been spearheaded by fundraiser David Giess who has worked in the football industry and whose wife, Anne, was treated for ovarian cancer at NNUH. Sadly, she passed away last September, but fundraising has continued in her memory.

Former England, West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool footballer Joe Cole said: “My dear friend was treated at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for ovarian cancer from which she died last year, leaving us all devastated.

“However, I have been hugely impressed at the excellent treatment Anne received by all the teams at NNUH.

“I have donated to the hospital’s VOiCE campaign last year and am delighted to support this new campaign to raise money for the Acute Oncology Service where Anne was also treated. Please join me in supporting this appeal and give what you can.”

The prizes for the draw have been donated by clubs to help raise money for the Acute Oncology Service (AOS) at the NNUH.

The AOS cares for patients in an emergency who develop symptoms as a result of their cancer or treatment or a new undiagnosed cancer.

Jake Humphrey said: “I am delighted to support this brilliant fundraising initiative. The items on offer are awesome, meaning people can get an exclusive bit of football memorabilia, whilst helping a good cause. The care the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital offer all patients is lifesaving, and more lives will be saved if you back this exciting fundraising drive.”

Tracey Shaw, Acting Oncology Matron for AOS, said: “We are so grateful to David and his sons for organising this and for the clubs for donating these fantastic prizes which are priceless for football and sports fans everywhere.

“We have such lovely memories of Anne and it’s so generous of David to think of our team and want to do so much to provide the things that make such a difference to our patients and their families.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions, tickets will be sold online only and the link is now live. The closing date to enter is 30 July 2020 and the draw will be held on 3 August 2020.

To enter and the chance of winning some unique prizes, get your tickets here 

Louise Cook from the Hospitals Charity, said: “In recent months, we have seen such tremendous support for our hospitals and the NHS from the whole community, from businesses to school children.

“We hope everyone gets behind this virtual raffle which is taking place thanks to the generosity of the football world so if you can, please buy a ticket, support our AOS and you could also win some fantastic prizes.”

The N&N Hospitals Charity raises money to support patients, their families and our staff at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. For more information, go to www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

 

CrombieFootball world backs cancer appeal