Former Dale player Keith Hicks to run Rochdale 10K in aid of two cancer research charities

Former Rochdale AFC player and former Dale Community Trust manager Keith Hicks will be taking part in the Rochdale 10K run on Sunday 8 October to raise funds and awareness for two cancer research charities: the Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK.

Keith, 69, played for Rochdale AFC between 1985 and 1987 before he was forced to retire through injury. He then became involved in Rochdale AFC’s Community Trust from its beginning in 1987 and retired in 2021.
 

Read more: Keith Hicks retires after 33 years of service at Rochdale AFCPublished: 19 March 2021

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men, affecting one in eight, with those over the age of 50 at a higher risk. Men over the age of 50 are advised to undertake a blood test to measure their level of PSA, prostate specific antigen. High levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Keith only found out about prostate cancer when taking part in a Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal PSA testing day at a Rochdale AFC home match back in 2019: as the Community Trust Manager, he felt it was appropriate to attend, especially as Keith Hill, Rochdale’s manager at the time was there as well.

 

Read more: PSA testing day at the Crown Oil ArenaPublished: 22 January 2019

 

Keith was told that there were no issues from that test but, following a second PSA test the following season, was diagnosed with a Gleason 6 Prostate Cancer, which he says “really knocked him for six.”

Gleason 6 prostate cancer is considered a low-grade cancer and is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of prostate cancer.

 

 

Since his diagnosis, Keith has been receiving treatment from the NHS, including three-monthly assessments. He now undergoes a check-up every six months.

Keith said: “I’m really glad I took part in the PSA testing as I would have been walking around unaware of my condition. I’m now looking to the future in a better frame of mind.”

Over the years, Keith and the Community Trust have taken part in events like the Manchester and Rochdale 10k runs, and also run from Rochdale to Oldham Athletic, walked to Accrington Stanley and cycled to Bradford City, which raised thousands for various charities.

By taking part in the run, Keith is aiming to raise awareness for these two important charities and to complete the run without stopping or walking to prove that senior citizens can still be active.

To make a donation please visit: Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK.