Cookridge Rangers support Prostate Cancer UK
A team reunite to support each other on their prostate cancer journey.
Cookridge Rangers support Prostate Cancer UK
A football friendship forged more than 50 years ago has seen a clutch of players affected by prostate cancer – and their teammates - come together to support Prostate Cancer UK.
Four alumni of Cookridge Rangers FC, formed in the 1970s as a group of lads who had played on the local recreation ground from the age of 12, have been affected by the most common cancer in men.
The story started when goalkeeper Glyn Jones, 65, was diagnosed in March 2015. Then, at a reunion event, a longer than expected chat with the club’s jack-of-all-trades manager Howard Smith led Glyn to ponder his old gaffer’s health situation. Howard, 65, had been diagnosed in September 2016, and following the follow-up call from Glyn, he opened up to his former keeper about his condition, and hailed the support from him – and his brethren - following the devastating news.
Since then, the squad, and their wider families have united at four of Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men events in Leeds, walking in solidarity of their colleagues. Ahead of the 2022 walk, the duo gathered at Roundhay Park to showcase a bold blue branded bench for Prostate Cancer UK, remembering and celebrating those men affected by prostate cancer. Etched onto the striking seat are the names of ‘Howard’ and ‘Glyn’. “The lads showed up; it’s as simple as that,” said Howard. “When we played what made us special was we were never the best but we were always there for each other.”
He’s since paid that support forward after news emerged of two other squad members affected by the disease, former left-back Arthur Bateson, 68, and ex treasurer and club secretary Brian Locke, 63. Glyn added: “Prostate cancer isn’t just about people who die, it’s about how groups of good mates come through it together.”