A prostate cancer survivor is organising a celebrity six-a-side football tournament and family fun day to raise funds and increase awareness of the disease.
Berkhamsted man Benny Mitchell, 62, and his brother Michael – an experienced marathon runner – have both beaten the illness, inspiring Benny to set up a charity called A Sporting Hand.
And the fundraiser, which will take place at Berkhamsted FC on Sunday, May 12, is a way for Benny to say thank you to the NHS and raise funds at the same time.
As a friend of Berkhamsted Football Club chairman Steve Davis, Benny’s idea of organising a charity football event for prostate cancer quickly gained support.
“Steve and Berkhamsted FC were more than supportive and agreed to become involved in what we are trying to achieve,” said Benny.
Some famous footballing names make up the list of celebrities, including Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn, former Watford favourite Tommy Smith, Millwall’s Jack Smith, ex-Chelsea man Eddie Niedzwiecki, former Luton boss Mick Harford, Tring-based former top referee Graham Poll and commentator Peter Drury.
As a keen sportsman, Benny decided to raise funds for the Lister Hospital in Stevenage where his operation was performed in September 2010.
He has previously raised £24,000 for the hospital at a fundraising auction night at The Gatsby in Berkhamsted.
“I and Michael have lived to tell the tale about prostate cancer, but many of our friends haven’t been so lucky, including Mark Osborne, a good pal of mine from Berkhamsted FC,” said Benny.
“We hope this event will go some way to addressing that sad fact.”
For further information, please contact Benny on 07973 863815 or at bennymitchell1@hotmail.co.uk or call Steve Davis on 07968 476314.
