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Hatters hero Harford launches Prostate FC, the biggest team in football taking on the most common cancer in men
He forged a career as one of the most fearsome forwards in football – now Mick Harford is leading a team to take on his most formidable opponent of all, prostate cancer.
A former England striker and Luton Town hero on and off the pitch, Mick was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2020. The disease kills 1 man every 45 minutes. That’s why Mick wants to unite football fans to join Prostate FC, raise awareness of the risk factors, fund research and save lives in every club across the UK.
He’s shared his story in a fantastic new film featuring Luton Town fan and Head Matchday Hospitality Host, Les Turton, also diagnosed with prostate cancer - to get more fans involved in a great new initiative to help beat prostate cancer.
The duo also appeared on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, hosted by long-term Prostate Cancer UK ambassador Jeff Stelling, on February 25th to help the charity kick-off the new campaign.
And you can watch the powerful new film here.
Prostate FC offers football fans who care about prostate cancer tactics to take on the disease from the pitch, the sofa and the stands, surpassing rivalries and uniting them behind a disease which is killing their teammates.
From managers wearing the iconic ‘Man of Men’ badge on touchlines, broadcasting legends marching across the UK, Prostate FC is a likeminded community for football content, events, and fundraising and volunteering opportunities via a charity who have been saving lives in their work in the beautiful game for more than a decade.
Harford has been joined in a star-studded squad by legendary Sky Sports Soccer Saturday presenter, Jeff Stelling former England stars Les Ferdinand and Chris Powell, social media trailblazer Robbie Lyle, plus the family of Ray Clemence, who passed away from prostate cancer in 2020.
With a career as a player, manager and coach spanning 13 football clubs, and nearly 600 professional appearances, the 64-year-old Harford has dealt with pretty much everything in the game. Being told he had prostate cancer was not in his playbook, but with the support of Luton Town, where he’s currently Chief Recruitment Officer and a bona fide club legend, Mick has taken a positive approach to a difficult test.
He said: “You go through a lot in your life –operations, stress, whatever you want to call it. I’ve had operations year after year, month after month. But when someone tells you you’ve got cancer, it’s a real body blow and it’s a tough one to take. But we fight on.
“The reason why we went public… I say we because it wasn’t just my decision, it was a decision by Luton Town Football Clubmyself, Gary Sweet, the CEO, and [former manager] Nathan Jones – because I was going to have to take time off work and then people would ask questions. And not only that, I thought it would be a good idea to get the word out there, and if I could help as many people as I could. If I could only help one person, I think that would have been a real plus and a real positive.”
As Prostate FC launches, Luton and the charity continue a longterm connection having renamed their Kenilworth Road ground the Prostate Cancer UK Stadium for one game in March 2015 and welcomed Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling during one of his marathon Match for Men walking events.
While Mick embarked on his prostate cancer journey, his club have been firmly behind him, with more than 60 club staff helping raise around £28,000. The club also put the Prostate Cancer UK logo on their shirts, raising huge awareness in their support of Mick.
Unbeknown to Mick, among the club staff at Kenilworth Road, Les had also been affected by prostate cancer having had successful surgery following his own diagnosis.
“Les has become a bit of a legend at Luton, and works on the main reception, where the players come in, the directors’ entrances. He meets and greets all the players, all the opposition managers and he makes them feel very, very welcome and he does a magnificent job. We’re very proud of him.” say Mick who catches up with Les regularly to discuss their own prostate cancer journeys.
Les, who has had successful surgery following his own diagnosis, said: “Mick was our star centre forward and a legend here for so many reasons. He would run through a brick wall for you but you’d never have thought that he would have prostate cancer. In fact I didn’t know anyone affected by prostate cancer before hearing his story.
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“However much the hospital and the doctors tell you, nothing actually beats talking to someone who has also had it. Its only once you’ve had it that you realise prostate cancer can strike at any walk of life. “It’s really important to catch it early, which I did, and I’d urge anyone with concerns to take the 30-second risk checker on the Prostate Cancer UK website.”
One in eight men are affected by prostate cancer. That’s thousands of dads, grandads, brothers, partners, uncles, sons and mates.
Stelling, who has walked 33 marathons for Prostate Cancer UK since 2016 and raised around £1.4m, said: “I’m delighted to sign for the biggest team in football, Prostate FC, Prostate Cancer UK's supersized squad of clubs, fans, managers and football personalities working together across the football industry to help beat the most common cancer in men.
“1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. Increasing to 1 in 4 amongst black men. That’s a dad, son, brother or partner. That’s our teammate.
“I’ve met those men and families affected and those scientists that are shaping those changes. We’re coming together to raise awareness of a disease that kills one man every 45 minutes and raise vital funds for lifesaving research.”
Prostate FC is free to join, and you can access lifesaving information about prostate cancer and find out how you can help save men’s lives.
To join Mick and Les at Prostate FC visit prostatecanceruk.org/prostatefc
About Prostate FC
o Prostate FC is the home of football at Prostate Cancer UK
o Prostate FC is a like-minded community for football content, events, and fundraising and volunteering opportunities. Fans can join the team and get inspiring stories from famous faces and fellow fans; connect and collaborate online and offline and share their passion for the game in way that transcends club rivalries.
o Prostate FC is free to join, and you can access lifesaving information about prostate cancer and find out how you can find out how you can play your part in the football community to help save men’s lives.
o To join Prostate FC visit prostatecanceruk.org/prostatefc
o Watch the film with Mick and Les at https://youtu.be/z_oHLJYC-Yw
About Prostate Cancer UK
o Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging the lives of men and their families.
o Investing into finding better treatments and tests that could save thousands of lives.
o Working with the NHS to make sure men get access to breakthrough tests and treatments.
o Spreading the word about who is at risk of prostate cancer, especially to those at higher risk.
o Supporting people dealing with prostate cancer and providing health information.
o Visit prostatecanceruk.org now to help beat this disease.
o @ProstateUK
About prostate cancer
o Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
o More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that's 143 men every day.
o Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that's more than 12,000 men every year.
o 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This raises to 1 in 4 for black men.
o Around 475,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer.
o A 30-second online risk checker is available atprostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker
o Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50 and the risk increases with age. But the risk is higher for black men or men with a family history of prostate cancer, so they may wish to speak to their GP from age 45.
o Prostate cancer often has no symptoms so men shouldn’t wait to see changes before they act.
o Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer may contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or online via the Live Chat instant messaging service: www.prostatecanceruk.org
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Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company 02653887.
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Grassroots is proud to be supporting Farleigh Hospice
Grassroots Magazine is delighted to be supporting local charity, Farleigh Hospice. In each edition, we will be sharing with you their latest news along with upcoming events that you can get involved in!
Farleigh Hospice has been a cornerstone of our local community since 1982 when, following the death of a lady called Audrey Appleton from cancer, her friends Glenda Lance and Dr Gill Collier launched an appeal to establish hospice services in and around Chelmsford.
Since its creation later that same year, Farleigh has provided hospice care to thousands of people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across mid Essex. The hospice, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, continues to help people to live as actively as possible from the point of diagnosis to the end of their lives, by providing physical and emotional care, free of charge.
As a charity, Farleigh relies on the generosity of the local community to raise the £6 million it needs every year to care and support those who rely on its services. One of the ways that Farleigh engages with the community is through the range of fundraising events it organises throughout the year, which are listed on its websitewww.farleighhospice.org/events
Here we take a look at some of the exciting events coming up… the Annual Quiz, Sponsored Doggy Walk and Autumn Shopping Extravaganza!
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The Clarets travelled
South and down to Sussex as they faced Eastbourne. Earlier in the season, Chelmsford ran out 5-0 winners at the Melbourne Stadium, with Robbie Simpson hoping his side take some inspiration from their performance back in October. A Clarets dominated first half, which was not reflected in the scoreline meant that Chelmsford h dig in, in the second half. A slow start and a strong defensive showing from Eastbourne posed an even bigger challenge. A fir goal for the Clarets in the form of a late equaliser saw Robbie’s men take a point back to Essex, ahead of another Monday fix With the disappointing news in the past 48 hours seeing both Frankie Terry and Kai Yearn recalled, Robbie was forced to alter starting eleven. Returning from his injury, all be it with a batman inspired face mask, Dave Winfield was partnering Cameron at center-back. Ben Brookes was back after being cup-tied, along with the return of weeks. On the bench, new signings Tyreke Johnson and Michael Ernaldo Krasniqi who featured at centre-back on Monday night. There was a familiar face in the Eastbourne starting eleven, as Lee Worgan was between the sticks for the Borough. We got underway, as Chelmsford looked to cause early problems for the hosts. After the possession returned to Eastbourne, the looked to get a great chance, as Miquel Scarlett was almost in, only for phases of the game, and almost got a great chance. The ball was shifted across to Liam Trotter, who gave Tom Blackwell a good chance to deliver but his cross that was fizzed in was dealt with well by Lee impress, as he beat his man and, yet again managed to put the ball across but to be dealt with by Eastbourne’s defence. Eastb got their first chance, after Chelmsford did not defend well, seeing able to deliver for a corner. Callum Jones won the first header and then tackled his man, to see the Borough send it back to their last man. The hosts had large shouts for a penalty, just after 24 minutes as the backtracking Jamie Yila outmuscled Miquel Scarlett, sending him to the ground. It was poker face from the referee as he simply gave a goal kick. Halfway through the half, Chelmsford came millimeters away from goal, after Alfa’s effort deflected. Brookes gave Alfa the chance, and the striker, playing a bit deeper in the number 10 role, took aim. The effort hit an Eastbourne defender and wrong footed Lee Worgan, only to go just wide. Eastbourne had their first shot, just as we reach the half an hour mark as Leona Gravata cut inside and, in space, dragged his effort well wide of the goal. After the 34th minute, a fatal error for Eastbourne gifted Chelmsford a penalty. A soft back pass to Worgan saw Jones pinch the ball. Worgan panicked, and brought Jones down seeing Lewis Sandoe have no choice but to point to the spot. Callum Jones took authority and picked the ball up. After the referee’s whistle, the cool, calm and composed Jones placed the ball into the top right corner and gave Chelmsford the lead. He left Worgan no chance, with the goalkeeper being sent the wrong way. The first half remained all Chelmsford, as Eastbourne struggled to outwit the Clarets defence. In the final few minutes of the half, Eastbourne enjoyed a spell of possession, before they wasted it and sent the ball back to Eddie Beach. With all the allocated normal time up, Eastbourne swung a cross in and Scarlett was there to fire in, and level the scores. Despite only 2 minutes being added, Eastbourne managed another chance as Alfie Bendle hit an effort from range, which dinked off the top of the crossbar and behind for a goal kick. The referee concluded the half before any further action could commence.
HALF TIME: EBFC 1-1 CCFC
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As the second half kicked off
, Chelmsford continued their offensive performance, as with 20 seconds played, Tom Blackwell’s cross was fired over by Jamie Yila. Chelmsford had an early free kick, after Jones was fouled by Remy. Blackwell went short to Barnum-Bobb who crossed in, only for Trotter’s header to be tame. Eastbourne’s first attack of the half started as Jamie Yila gave the ball away. The hosts drove forward and found Luke Pearce on the edge of the box. Pearce made no mistake and slotted it in for 2-1. Immediately, Eastbourne looked to sit in, sending the ball long when they could. Yila caused problems and won a free kick. Once again. Brookes and Blackwell stood over the free kick, as the first delivered. His ball was headed clear by the first man but allowed Chelmsford to retain possession. As they tried to work their way back into the game, the Clarets continued to look for an avenue through. Blackwell got the better of Burchell and put a great ball in, which just evaded Jamie Yila. Eastbourne managed a counterattack, which was ended as Pearce was brought down. This gave Walker a great shooting opportunity, but he only hit the wall. Remy had the rebound but sent it out of the ground. With 15 gone in the half, Robbie subbed Tyreke Johnson on, as Tom Blackwell made way. Tyreke Johnson was immediately involved, taking on Miquel Scarlett before he ran out of pitch, and gave away a goal kick. Just after the 70th minute mark, Chelmsford had their best chance. Jones was found through, and he drifted wide, before crossing to Yila in the 6 yard box. Jamie took a touch and prepared to shoot, before Leone Gravata got back to clear the danger. The corner posed no threat, with the Clarets still going in search of a goal. The frustrations continued with multiple set pieces not being up to standard, and brandishing no chances. With 8 to play, Ben Brookes’ free kick worked its way for a corner. Johnson’s delivery reaped nothing, and Eastbourne had possession. Robbie’s final throw of the dice, after Folivi replaced Barnum-Bobb, saw Freddie Hockley on again for Yila. Straight away, it was Eastbourne with a chance as Gravata drove at goal and got a shot away, which was tipped round the post by Eddie Beach. He then caught the corner, and was able to send Chelmsford forward. The attack saw the ball lumped forward and Liam Trotter brought the ball down excellently. He clipped it to the back post, where it found its way to Johnson. He delivered well, and Folivi was on hand to head in his first Chelmsford goal and equalise. A great header from the striker had finally rewarded Chelmsford. The Clarets continued forward as Eastbourne’s defensive approach was to be tested even more.
We entered the 5 added on minutes, as the game was still being dominated by Chelmsford. They continued to push, but Eastbourne continued to defend. The hosts seemed happy to take the point as they took as long as they could to restart the game. With 30 seconds to play, the final chance arose as a corner was given to Chelmsford. Dave Winfield rose highest and headed down but wide of the goal and the Chelmsford players. The goal kick brought the final whistle as both sides took a point.
FULL TIME: EBFC 2-2 CCFC
Chelmsford City:
Beach (GK), James, Barnum-Bobb (Folivi 73), Trotter, Winfield (C), Blackwell (Johnson 50), Jones, Alfa, Brookes, Yila (Hockey 84), A.Krasniqi
Unused subs: Da Costa, E.Krasniqi
Goals: Jones 35 (Pen), Folivi 87,
Cautions: Winfield 40, Krasniqi 45+2, Brookes 75,
Eastbourne Borough:
Worgan (GK), Burchell, Innocent, Barry, Walker (C), Bendle, Remy (Kastrati 79), Pearce, Gravata, Scarlett (Bartley 74), Beckford (Perez 69)
Unused subs: Wabo, Holter
Goals: Scarlett 45, Pearce 49
Cautions: Walker 39, Perez 81, Kastrati 88
National League South March 4th
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Pl W D L Diff Pts 1 Ebbsfleet United 36 25 6 5 45 81 2 Dartford 35 20 6 9 27 66 3 Braintree Town 35 17 10 8 12 61 4 Havant & Waterlooville 34 18 6 10 17 60 5 Oxford City 36 16 12 8 17 60 6 Worthing 36 16 12 8 15 60 7 Chelmsford City 35 16 8 11 8 56 8 Tonbridge Angels 36 16 6 14 0 54 9 St AlbansCity 34 15 7 12 13 52 10 Farnborough 32 15 7 10 10 52 11 Eastbourne Borough 36 16 4 16 3 52 12 Bath City 35 13 10 12 5 49 13 HemelHempstead Town 35 13 10 12 -3 49 14 Dover Athletic 35 11 11 13 -8 44 15 Welling United 34 10 12 12 -8 41 16 Slough Town 35 9 10 16 -24 37 17 TauntonTown 29 9 9 11 0 36 18 Dulwich Hamlet 34 10 5 19 -20 35 19 Hampton& Richmond Borough 34 8 8 18 -17 32 20 Cheshunt 34 8 8 18 -21 32 21 ChippenhamTown 32 6 13 13 -15 31 22 Weymouth 33 9 4 20 -19 31 23 Hungerford Town 33 7 7 19 -13 28 24 Concord Rangers 30 7 7 16 -24 28
Chelmsford City FC are delighted to announce that Forward, Michael Folivi and Winger, Tyreke Johnson have joined the club
Michael Folivi, 24, joins the Clarets boasting EFL experience having come through the youth set-up at Watford FC and having had spells with Coventry City, AFC Wimbledon and most recently Colchester United as well as a spell with National League side Boreham Wood.
Folivi also has a Premier League appearance to his name having made a substitute appearance for Watford against Stoke City in January 2017.
Manager, Robbie Simpson, spoke on the signing of the forward
“Michael is a top player, he’s a player that’s highly thought of by teams in the football league”
“He’s just had terrible luck with a bad injury just before he was due to sign a good deal with a club in the Football League, it then didnt materialise and he’s been fighting to get back fit ever since. He’s been fit a little while now and been training with Full-Time clubs”
“Between now and the end of the season he wants to get games and we’re very lucky that he already knows a few of our players and having spoken to him myself on the phone I know what he wants to do, he wants to get back playing and scoring goals. Whatever happens in the summer he wants to give himself the best options available. He’ll do that by helping us.”
“We’re really thankful to his representatives for seeing us as the platform to give that to him and we’re thankful to Michael for believing in us and we’ll certainly put our faith in him and give him everything he needs to continue the last stage of his rehab essentially, but that involves playing games.”
“We hope that he’ll soon be scoring goals for us and we’re very excited to have Michael, he’s an all round top player who can play as a striker that can play any type of role a striker can as well as playing as an advanced midfielder or out wide so he gives us plenty of options to utilise him and we can’t wait to see him wearing a Claret shirt that’s for sure.”
Tyreke Johnson from Vanarama National League side Woking FC on a loan deal until the end of the season. Johnson, 24, can play as a left winger but also in a deeper role as a left wing back.
Tyreke came through the youth systems at Watford and Swindon Town before signing into the Southampton academy in 2014. Johnson remained at Southampton until 2021 and during his time with the Hampshire side, he had a loan spell with Woking in 2019, USA based Hartford Athletic in 2020 and a short stint at Gillingham in 2021 before signing permanently for the Gills. Following a 6 month spell in Kent, Tyreke made the switch to current club Woking in the summer of 2021. A month loan spell for Essex outfit Dagenham and Redbridge in October 2022 would follow before returning to Woking. Manager Robbie Simpson spoke on the signing of Tyreke Johnson “For some time now we’ve been looking for a left footed winger who could come in and make us better. If you look at our wingers currently, as good as they are, they’re all right footed which naturally means their movements when they play on the left or the right are of a certain way and having a left footer gives us something different and better balance in certain situations.”
“Tyreke can play anywhere down the left, he’s played left back, left wing back and left wing but is predominantly a left winger. He’s fast and direct which is something which adds to our balance and our attacking options. He loves to get crosses in the box and that’ll help with us being able to score more goals.”
“With Ben and Frankie both being unavailable for the Essex Senior Cup and both being left sided players, bringing in Tyreke will also help to cater for that situation”
“We’re really delighted to have Tyreke and hopefully he can hit the ground running”
We look forward to welcoming Tyreke to the Melbourne Community Stadium and watching him play in a Claret shirt.
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