The former Dale and Oldham man is fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, having been inspired by his own and Joe Thompson’s battles against cancer.
He and his family members completed the first leg of the challenge by running from the Crown Oil Arena to Boundary Park ahead of Dale’s fixture against Oldham Athletic last month, see here
The second leg takes place on Good Friday, with the group taking on the 20-mile walk from the Crown Oil Arena to Altrincham’s J Davidson Stadium for our fixture against the Robins.
A gruelling 50-mile cycle completes the challenge on Easter Monday, where Hicks and his family will be making the journey from AFC Fylde’s Mill Farm to the Crown Oil Arena in time for our match against the Coasters.
You can donate to Keith’s cause now by clicking HERE. Donation points will also be available on the respective days at Altrincham and the Crown Oil Arena.
Commenting on his diagnosis and the challenge, Keith said:
“I only found out about Prostate Cancer after taking part in a PSA testing day at a Dale home match back in 2019.
“I was informed that there were no issues from that test, but following a second PSA test the following season, I was diagnosed with a Gleason 6 Prostate Cancer.
“Since then, I have been treated extremely well by the NHS, including three monthly assessments, now down to half yearly, to reassure me that everything is fine.
“I am really glad that I took part in the PSA Testing, as I would have been walking around unaware of my condition.
“I’m also taking part in the walk to Altrincham to show that at 70 years of age, I can take part in regular exercise, which benefits me both physically and mentally.
“But the main message is that men over 50 should take a blood test; it could change men’s lives dramatically.”
Dan, Colette, Oliver, and Graham, Keith’s son, will join Keith. Keith is a former Dale player who worked for our Community Trust for several years.
“Both my father and father-in-law are being treated/monitored after being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, which is why I have decided to raise funds to support Prostate Cancer UK,” commented Graham.
“Another reason is I have been associated with Rochdale AFC for a long time, so I have been inspired by Joe Thompson, a past pupil of St Cuthbert’s, who not only scored the goal that saved us from relegation in the 17/18 season but has battled cancer twice already and is battling this again.
“He is and has taken on numerous challenges/events trying to raise funds for both his treatment and research into cancer, all of which is so inspirational.”
The article was first published on the RAFC web on 16/4/2025 and reprinted with permission.