Collingham Football Club’s sponsored walk raises £6,800 for Prostate Cancer UK

A festival of football and a sponsored walk from Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank to Collingham Football Club earned £6,884 for Prostate Cancer UK.

The fun, last summer, was held a decade after Mr Pat Douglas, a Collingham FC stalwart, had a successful operation to treat his prostate cancer.

Mr Douglas, 67, from Collingham, who now runs the club’s walking football team, was among those who gathered to hand over a cheque to Graham Bates, from the charity.

And he was also among the 30-plus walkers who were waved on their journey of around 13 miles by the Imps’ boss, Mr Danny Cowley, and brother and assistant, Mr Nicky Cowley.

Once back in Collingham, further funds were raised through ladies’ walking football and mens’ football events.

“We chose Lincoln City because of ties with the club,” said Mr Douglas. “And it was a really red-hot day. The walkers included friends and acquaintances, besides various coaches within the club so it was an all-round effort.”

However, he also stressed that it was important to raise awareness, as well as cash.

“I had my operation in August 2008. I didn’t have any symptoms,” he said.

“I was fit because football was my hobby. The only reason I went to the doctor was because a family member had problems.

“I had regular checks and then the operation.

“So it doesn’t matter how fit you are, you still need to be checked, especially if there’s a family history. I’m lucky I’m now clear.”

Mr Douglas said so many people enjoyed the fundraiser that he was now thinking of holding another, but for a different charity.