Keith Hicks, a former player for Rochdale and Oldham Athletic, plans to run the Rochdale 10k to benefit charity.
previous center-half By donating money and spreading awareness for The Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK, two outstanding cancer research organizations near and dear to Keith’s heart, he is devoting his run on Sunday, October 8.
Keith discovered the problem after a test during a Rochdale AFC home game in 2019; he had been tested on the occasion by The Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal, for whom he will soon run the Rochdale 10k. Even though the test was negative, Keith received the devastating news that he had Gleason 6 prostate cancer the following season.
Prostate cancer is currently the most prevalent type of cancer in males, affecting one in eight of them and being more common in people over 50. It is advised that males in this age group visit their neighborhood GP office for a blood test.
“I felt it was appropriate to attend, especially since Keith Hill, Rochdale’s manager at the time, was there as well,” the former Latics and Dale player added.
“I’ve been receiving care from the NHS, and among the interventions were three monthly assessments, which are now just done once every six months to ensure that everything is good.
“I’m really glad that I participated in the PSA Testing because I would still be going about not knowing about this condition, not getting the current attention, but now I’m looking to the future in a better frame of mind,” the participant said.
Keith has stayed involved in the game since hanging up his boots by serving as Rochdale AFC’s Community Trust Manager. The Christie Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Rochdale Supporters Trust, Factor 50 Cancer Research (Ernie Cooksey), The Geoff Thomas Foundation, and Team Ellis (Ellis Robinson) have all benefited from his participation in charity events over the years. These events include the Manchester 10K Run, Rochdale 10K Run, run from Rochdale to Oldham Athletic, walk to Accrington Stanley, and bike ride to Bradford City.
In the commercial, he is showcasing all three of the professional teams he has worked with during his 50 years of involvement in the sport. Kieth, who was born in Oldham, played in almost 250 games for his boyhood club Oldham (242 appearances), Rochdale (32) and Hereford (201 appearances).
Keith, who is 69 years old, doesn’t intend to break any records, but rather, by finishing the race without pausing or walking, he hopes to inspire the older generation and raise awareness for these two vital organisations.
