Physio raises awareness!
A former Hereford United physiotherapist has completed a marathon trip around the country’s top football clubs to raise awareness of male cancer.
Simon Shakeshaft, completed his marathon journey at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal met Manchester United (he’d already visted 119 other Premiership, League and Conference clubs in England and Wales).
The 25,000 mile trip, was undertaken to support the Keep Your Eye on the Ball campaign run by the Professional Footballers Association, the Football Association and the Everyman Campaign which raises awareness of testicular and prostate cancer to the football community.
Several high profile players, including Jason Cundy, Alan Stubbs and Neil Harris, have been diagnosed with testicular cancer in the recent past. And while Shakeshaft’s Ground Hop has been taking place, two more professional players at Football League clubs have received an early diagnosis of testicular cancer, thanks to the awareness talks given to club staff.
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All clubs have donated a signed replica shirt which will be auctioned off at a major auction house to raise funds for the keep Your Eye on the Ball campaign which has been close to Shakeshaft’s heart. He has himself survived testicular cancer.
“Raising awareness of male cancer, particularly testicular cancer, through the vehicle of football, is an excellent way of making men and their partners aware of the symptoms and therefore, literally, saving lives.
“I have experienced a real buzz doing this. It has been amazing and the awareness message is getting out there, as has been proven by the early diagnosis of two Football League professional players, so the major goal of the challenge has been achieved.
“The encouragement, support and co-operation from all clubs and individuals has been overwhelming and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.”
He has now turned actor and is the physiotherapist in SKy’s Dream Team!