EX-PRO footballer John Hartson is calling on fans to ‘Grab Life by the Balls’ and join him on his BraveHart Ben Nevis Challenge to raise vital funds for people with cancer and their families.
John, who won 51 caps with the Welsh international side and also starred for Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic, set up The John Hartson Foundation following his own battle with testicular cancer which spread to his lungs and brain and left him fighting for life.
He wanted to give something back to the doctors and nurses who saved his life and one of the first organisations to benefit from the Foundation was the new £3m Maggie’s Centre at Singleton Hospital in Swansea.
The 37-year-old, now assistant manager to the Welsh FA, said: “As a professional footballer, I had it all: the fame that earning 51 caps for Wales brought me and the enviable lifestyle that scoring over 100 goals in the green and white of Celtic afforded me. I also had the warning signs of testicular cancer – and I ignored them.
“I want people to know that everything I went through, everything I put my loved ones through, could have been avoided had I known more about the disease. Particularly, the importance of catching it early.
“I’m also working hard to raise money to support others affected by cancer whether it’s a peaceful place to go for treatment or help with practical difficulties that cancer can bring. Because I know first hand the immeasurable difference that support can make.
“So please, grab life by the balls – literally, in terms of checking yourself regularly and getting anything unusual checked out by your GP, but also by joining in the Foundation’s fundraising efforts to help others living with cancer.”
This year’s Llanellli 10k is being run in aid of the Foundation and John will be taking part. And the charity’s flagship event, the BraveHart Ben Nevis Challenge, takes place in July. This will be the third time John has climbed Britain’s highest mountain, on the anniversary of the weekend he was battling for life, to raise cash for the charity.
He said: “We want YOU to join us for this fun-filled weekend in Fort William. Standing at the top of Ben Nevis feels like you’re on top of the world – and you’ll be raising vital funds to help us carry on the charity’s work. Please take up the challenge – it’s an amazing experience you’ll never forget.”
John’s BraveHart Ben Nevis Challenge weekend takes place from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14.
The fun-filled weekend in Fort William, Inverness-shire, includes two nights’ accommodation, meals, and fully guided walk up Ben Nevis followed by a celebration party on the Saturday night.
There’s a £50 registration fee and participants are asked to raise £500 sponsorship. Places are limited so don’t miss out – sign up NOW at www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk
You can also follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/HartsFND
ENDS
