Oldham Athletic legend Keith Hicks taking part in Rochdale 10k for two charities close to his heart
The former Rochdale and Oldham Athletic centre-half will be raising money for The Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK
Rochdale and Oldham Athletic legend Keith Hicks is set to run the Rochdale 10k to raise money for charity.
Former centre-half Keith is dedicating his run on Sunday, October 8, by pledging funds and raising awareness for The Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK, two fantastic cancer research charities close to his heart.
A test at a Rochdale AFC home match back in 2019 alerted Keith to the issue after he was tested on the day by The Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal, who he will soon be running the Rochdale 10k for. Although the test came back clear, a second PSA test the following season diagnosed Keith with Gleason 6 Prostate Cancer, which really knocked him for six.
Currently, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men, with one in eight affected and over-50s at a higher risk. It is advisable that men in this age category should nip down to their local GP surgery for a blood test.
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The former Latics and Dale star said: "I felt it was appropriate to attend, especially as Keith Hill, Rochdale’s manager at the time, was there as well.
"I've been receiving treatment from the NHS, with actions including three monthly assessments that are now down to half yearly to reassure that everything is fine.
"I'm really glad that I took part in the PSA Testing as I would still be walking around unaware of this condition, not receiving the present attention, but now I'm looking to the future in a better frame of mind."
Since hanging up his boots Keith has stayed connected to the game, working as Community Trust Manager for Rochdale AFC. Over the many years he has been regularly involved in events that benefit Charities including the Manchester 10K Run, Rochdale 10K Run, run from Rochdale to Oldham Athletic, walk to Accrington Stanley, bike ride to Bradford City raising thousands for The Christie Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Rochdale Supporters Trust, Factor 50 Cancer Research (Ernie Cooksey) The Geoff Thomas Foundation, Team Ellis (Ellis Robinson).
He is featuring all three of the professional clubs he has been connected with over his 50-year service to the sport in the campaign. Oldham-born Kieth featured in over 250 games for both boyhood club Oldham (242 appearances) and Rochdale (32 appearances), whilst also racking up 201 appearances for Hereford.
At 69 years young, Keith doesn't plan on setting any record-breaking times but the aim is to raise awareness for these two important charities by completing the run without stopping or walking to prove senior citizens can still be active and inspire the older generation.
To make a donation or for more information, please visit the BKPCA website or the Prostate Cancer UK website.