Darren Gough backs pal's cancer fight - golf and dinner details VIDEO
CRICKET superstar Darren Gough is backing a new campaign to fight cancer – in support of a South Yorkshire pal.
The England and Yorkshire great has agreed to his first fundraising dinner and golf day back home since retiring from the game.
And he's doing it to help father of three Darren Hayes raise thousands of pounds as part of Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity's month-long Men's Cancer Campaign.
WATCH VIDEO: lick on the gree play button to watch our video interview with Darren Hayes - for more details about the Darren Gough fundraiser and advice to other men about beating cancer.
The former Barnsley FC marketing manager, is in remission after being treated for testicular cancer.
Barnsley born Goughie, a Reds fan and long-time friend, didn't hesitate to get involved when Darren asked for help.
The cricket celebrity and also Strictly Come Dancing series winner, who won Sheffield cdance partner Lilia Kopylova, became a patron of the region's dedicated cancer hospital earlier this year but he wanted to get more involved.
So he's returning home for a celebrity golf day at SIV's Beauchief Golf Course, followed by a dinner evening, with meet and greet photo session and autograph opportunities, at Sheffield City Hall Ballroom, on Wednesday, June 24.
Other sporting and celebrity friends of cancer fighter Darren are planning to attend, with some amazing sports memorabilia up for grabs. Two other dinners he organised attracted former Barnsley and now Blades stars Chris Morgan and Brian Howard. Sheffield Steelers and Sheffield Eagles have also given their support.
The Gough golf day and dinner are part of the charity's Men's Cancer Campaign, from June 8 to July 12, which includes other fundraising events particularly aimed at men.
Golf and dinner fundraising organiser Darren, aged 35, of Monk Bretton, Barnsley, today praised doctors, nurses and surgeons who saved his life, though he hesitated to get help when he discovered a problem. He is urging others to seek help immediately to give them the best chance.
It was a whirlwind couple of weeks for the father of three. He was diagnosed and operated on six-days later. After a two to three week recovery process he underwent a series of other tests, including a CT scan to see if any of the cancer had spread.
There were traces in his stomach and he underwent chemotherapy to clear that. It was the most difficult period in his life but the treatment he received from Rotherham Hospital and Weston Park Hospital has made him want to return the favour.
He said: "I found a lump three weeks before I had it checked out, but like any bloke, you just ignore it and think it is nothing. But when the doctor told me what it was – well that's when it really hits home.
"People think it won't happen to them. I play cricket, I don't smoke and if someone said I would have cancer I would have laughed at them. That is why I'm raising awareness because it can happen to anyone.
"Rotherham Hospital were excellent, the specialist there explained everything to me and my wife. When I was told to go to Weston Park, it hits you because it is as serious as it can get.
"Now I want to give something back. Weston Park is in Sheffield but everyone north of Nottingham and south of Newcastle get sent here. There are only three dedicated cancer hospitals in the country and that is why they need our support."
He said of the Gough dinner and golf day: "He's very busy on radio and doing other cricket events. So to give up his time to help with the golf day and dinner is just brilliant. I have known Darren and his family for many years and to be honest it is not a surprise to see him given his time in this way. The two events will be the first held in South Yorkshire since his retirement and it will give everyone the chance to hear Goughie's view on cricket past and present and also his dancing career."
* Tickets for A Dinner Evening With Darren Gough, hosted by Sky TV's Charlie Hale, and to book places on the Darren Gough Golf Day, sponsored by Barnsley based SW Installations, windows, doors and conservatories company, call Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity on Sheffield 0114-226 5370 or Darren Hayes on 0776 4939354. To find out more about this and the charity's Men's Cancer Campaign, visit www.wphcancercharity.org.uk or call 0114 226 5751.
WATCH VIDEO Darren Gough: No cricket comeback - VIDEO EXCLUSIVE
WATCH VIDEO: Darren Gough: Reunited with his ex wife Anna and enjoying family life.
Have you got a view? Comment below.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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