PROSTATE CANCER UK advocate Chris Powell is the rationale Southend United fan Keith Smith believes he's nonetheless alive.
Again in 2018, the Shrimpers fan was recognized with prostate most cancers by his GP.
Lucky for Smith, it was caught early.
The soccer supporter had heard Powell, who was supervisor of Southend at that point, champion the famend charity.
So, Smith took on the now Tottenham coach’s advice and went for a verify up.
Not only was prostate cancer detected, a small tumour on his kidney was additionally discovered.
Emotionally related to Powell, Keith has stayed in touch with the Charlton legend.
The pair have been lately reunited at an U21 fixture between Spurs and Brighton at Hotspur Approach.
Keith advised Tottenham Hotspur’s website: “Since I was recognized with cancer again in 2018, I’ve felt this kindred spirit with Chris.”
“I’ve obtained little question in my thoughts that if it wasn’t for Chris, I wouldn’t be standing here as we speak, it’s a simple as that. I’ll be eternally grateful to him, he’s a prime man as everyone already is aware of and it’s simply good to catch up again.
“I’ve adopted his profession, seen him on the England bench, right here at Spurs as properly, so to be here immediately with him on the Training Centre is an actual honour. The amenities listed here are sensible, absolutely unbelievable, out of this world.
“I never realised, particularly supporting a decrease league group, how totally different it might be – every thing is new, crisp, the individuals are so nice, the employees are so pleasant… it’s absolutely implausible and anyone who works for the membership or performs for the membership here's a very lucky individual.
“My message now is identical as the one Chris gave me – it’s essential that awareness of prostate most cancers is raised among the basic public and to encourage individuals to get checked.
“My mantra has all the time been ‘a blood check gained’t kill you, however prostate most cancers can’ so everyone has that incentive to go. When you’ve beforehand had any instances of prostate most cancers in your family, go and get yourself checked as properly in order that we may help to beat this illness.”
Immediately, Keith is an ambassador for Prostate Most cancers UK together with Powell.
They usually help the ‘Prostate FC’ initiative, which goals to boost consciousness of the danger elements, fund research and save lives in each football membership across the UK.
Powell stated: “It means a lot to me that I’ve acquired to know somebody who was affected by prostate most cancers, who heard my message and is a survivor. Typically I don’t realise how huge that's, to have helped save someone.
“If it wasn’t for my work and involvement with Prostate Most cancers UK, we might have misplaced Keith however fortunately he’s nonetheless right here to take pleasure in his life. It’s great that we’re still in touch – he loves soccer, he loves Southend, however I feel I’ve acquired us another Spurs fan now!
“He and his spouse have been my visitors to observe an Underneath-21 recreation and I do know they couldn’t consider what the membership is like when it comes to the Coaching Centre, the way it works and the way nice everybody here is. I simply needed to spend some time with him, as we’re each massive ambassadors for the cause now.
“What I might say to any Spurs fan is to concentrate on the indicators and symptoms of prostate cancer, which embrace age, ethnicity and household danger.
“Followers can go on the& Prostate Cancer UK website& the place there's so much info, including an excellent 30-second danger checker which may save your life.
“Extra importantly inform your associate, your uncle, your brother and speak to your GP in case you are fearful. I get myself checked on my birthday yearly – that’s my present to myself – so that’s the best way I keep in mind.”
