Former Latics star Keith, now 69, gears up for 10K run in aid of two cancer research charities

Former Latics favourite Keith Hicks

Former Latics favourite Keith Hicks will be taking part in the Rochdale 10K run next Sunday (October 8) as he has pledged to raise funds and awareness for the Barry Kilby Prostate Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK, two organisations involved in cancer research which are close to his heart.

Currently Prostate Cancer is the most common form of cancer for men, with one in eight affected and over 50s at a higher risk - it’s advisable that men over 50 should nip down to the local GP surgery for a blood test.

Former centre-half Keith, who is now 69, only found out about Prostate Cancer when taking part in a Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal PSA testing day at a Rochdale AFC home match back in 2019 when he was the Community Trust Manager there.

Oldham-born Keith said: "I felt it was appropriate to attend, especially as Keith Hill, Rochdale’s manager at the time, was there as well.

"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, which really knocked me for six.

"Since then, I've been receiving treatment from the NHS, with actions including three monthly assessments that are now down to half yearly to reassure that everything is fine.

"I'm really glad that I took part in the PSA Testing as I would still be walking around unaware of this condition, not receiving the present attention.

"But now I'm looking to the future in a better frame of mind."

Over the many years Keith has been involved with Rochdale’s Football in the Community Trust after his playing days ended, Keith has also regularly been involved in events that benefit charities including the Manchester 10K Run, Rochdale 10K Run, run from Rochdale to Oldham Athletic, walk to Accrington Stanley, bike ride to Bradford City raising thousands for The Christie Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Rochdale Supporters Trust, Factor 50 Cancer Research (Ernie Cooksey), The Geoff Thomas Foundation, and Team Ellis (Ellis Robinson).

At 69 years young Keith won’t be looking to break any records on Sunday, but the aim is to raise awareness for these two hugely important charities and to complete the run without stopping/walking to prove that senior citizens can still be active.

Keith is involving the three professional clubs he’s been connected with for over 50 years, namely Rochdale, Latics (for whom he made 242 appearances) and Hereford (201 appearances).

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