This Friday's game live on Sky will be dedicated as our ‘Cancer Research UK matchday’, supporting the only UK charity fighting all 200 types of cancer.
Monday 4 February represents ‘World Cancer Day’, so as our closest home fixture to this date, we are calling on supporters of both teams to come together and help us blow the whistle on cancer.
Most people will know someone with cancer – whether they’re a colleague, family member or friend, and #WorldCancerDay is a global event that unites the World’s population in the fight against cancer. Cancer will affect 1 in 2 people and 330,000 people are diagnosed in the UK every year – but Cancer Research UK are leading the way to prevent more cancers, improve the outlook for future generations and help ensure that fans enjoy matchdays with loved ones for years to come.
On the night we’ll proudly welcome an army of Cancer Research UK volunteers to Deepdale who’ll be collecting donations at various points around the stadium. We encourage Lilywhites fans to give generously and help thousands of scientists, doctors and nurses to deliver life-saving work and accelerate progress.
PNE Captain Tom Clarke is fully behind the initiative and commented: "All of us at Preston North End know someone who has been affected by cancer, so we’re proud to be dedicating our game against Derby County to Cancer Research UK. It’s something which could affect any of us in our lifetime, it doesn’t discriminate or follow a particular team, so as a football community it’s vital that we come together to tackle it.
“The incredible work that the charity does has a direct impact on the treatments available to people right here in Preston and the surrounding areas, so I really hope as many people as possible donate generously.”
Jo Moss, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “We’re so grateful for the support of Preston North End. The good news is more people are surviving than ever before, but too many lives are still cut short by this devastating disease. That’s why on Friday 1 February we need everyone at Deepdale to unite and help blow the whistle on cancer.”
“Every day our scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to beat the disease and your support ensures that this progress continues. Lilywhites fans can help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”
Supporters are encouraged to donate generously to Cancer Research UK, with several ways to do so.
- Fans can make a donation online now by clicking here.
- Fans can pick up a World Cancer Day wristband, with The Unity Bands are now available to buy from the club shop with a suggested donation of £2.
- Fans can make a £5 donation by text message. Simply text the word UNITY to 70200. Text costs £5 plus network charge.
- Fans can make a cash donation on matchday. Simply pass your donation to one of the Cancer Research UK volunteers who will be at the stadium on the night.
Every Unity Band worn, every pound donated, and every gesture of support will play a vital role in beating cancer, supporting ground-breaking research which is taking place right here in the North West and across the UK.
Preston fans can also click here to request a free fundraising pack full of fun-filled ideas to help beat cancer.
Find out more about Cancer Research UK and #WorldCancerDay by visiting www.cancerresearchuk.org.
Texts charged at £5 plus a standard rate text (age 16+, UK mobiles only). Cancer Research UK will receive 100% of this donation. Full Ts&Cs atwww.cruk.org/text.
Together we will beat cancer.