County football clubs ‘takeover’ for cancer awareness

Shropshire’s football fans may not always see eye-to-eye, but both Shrewsbury Town fans and AFC Telford fans united this month – to raise awareness and funds for our Sunflower Appeal.

More than £1,600 was raised from donations across two fixtures, with Telford & Wrekin match funding bringing the total to in excess of £3,200. The money will go directly into our £5million appeal to establish the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at Princess Royal Hospital.

We were immensely proud to take to the pitch and raise awareness @STFC for their home fixture against Oldham, and even more so when our trustee Pete Jackson organised a ‘Stand Up if You Hate Cancer’ callout at @AFCTelford and the SEAH Stadium.

Those who were able to took to their feet at the ‘Bucks Head’ (as it is known by long-time supporters) to show support for those impacted by cancer. Pete, who was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2024, had called on fellow patients and survivors to walk out on the pitch with him and Telford United’s first team to raise awareness about our Sunflower Appeal.

More than 20 members of the Lingen Davies community proudly walked out, heads held high in the rain, and stood with players and match officials on the centre circle. A minute’s applause echoed around the ground for the powerful marker of a community working together to highlight the impact of cancer.

Pete said: “It’s really important and brilliant to be able to bring the community together like this.

“When I had the idea I didn’t intend for it to be a miserable event, it’s a proud moment to reflect on the fact that cancer impacts everyone in our community.

“As a community of football fans we all know someone impacted, this was about people from all walks of life and areas of the Club coming together.

“It’s about hope, celebrating those who have recovered.”

For more ideas on how you can support our Sunflower Appeal click here