Join the Rochdale AFC players and staff to raise vital funds for Brandon Beech

Rochdale AFC players will be growing a beard in November to help raise money for a special bed which will help ease the pain and discomfort suffered by Brandon Beech, the  ten-year-old  son of Assistant Manager, Chris Beech, who has Cystic Fibrosis, one of the UK’s most life-threatening inherited diseases. 

Brandon was diagnosed with the disease at the age of three and every day is a battle to keep him as well as possible. He has physio twice a day to help remove the mucus that builds up in his lungs, uses a nebuliser five times a day and takes around 40 tablets.

Brandon has recently developed liver disease due to his Cystic Fibrosis and this is causing him a lot of pain and discomfort. His liver and spleen are enlarged because of the liver disease which is resulting in tummy pains and a loss of appetite.

The Beech family are always looking for ways to improve Brandon’s life, and they have recently been told about a vibrating bed, which if used, would help improve the function of his lungs. It works by loosening the mucus on his lungs while he sleeps.

There’s a substantial cost involved in buying the bed as they are made to order.

The players, who will shave off their existing facial hair on Friday morning (1 November) in order to have a clean chin to start with, will be growing a beard throughout the month to raise money and awareness.

If you want to show your support by growing a beard and raising money, then drop into the Club shop where you can pick up a sponsorship form.

People who can’t grow a beard but you still want to get involved can pledge support for your favourite player/member of management by sponsoring them. Email leighanne.coyle@rochdaleafc.co.uk to register your interest and to let her know which player/management member you’ll be sponsoring. You can either drop the money into the club shop or send a cheque (made payable details to be confirmed).

Dale’s home match v Exeter City on Saturday 23 November has been earmarked as a Brandon’s Beard fundraising day. Further details will be announced in due course.