Simon 'Shakey' Shakeshaft
Testicular Cancer Survivor Completes Ground-Hop Challenge at Arsenal
Testicular cancer survivor Simon “Shakey” Shakeshaft completed a fantastic achievement in January when he finished his ‘Ground-Hop’ challenge, visiting all the FA Premier League, Football League and Conference National football club grounds to help raise awareness of testicular cancer. Simon travelled over 25,000 miles and visited the120 grounds throughout his challenge, spreading his awareness messages to an estimated 120,000 fans and as a medical professional, spoke to over a 1,000 players and coaching staff.
After starting at Shrewsbury Town (where Simon was once club physio) in December 2005, Simon has travelled up and down the country for 13 months visiting all the Stadiums of the top professional clubs and finished at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Sunday 21st January. Simon has been supporting the ‘Keep Your Eye on the Ball’ campaign, which is run by The FA, The PFA and the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign and aims to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer to the football community.
Along the way Simon has been supported by many people including ex-professional footballer Tony Kelly, who accompanied Simon through much of his challenge. Gary Lewin, Arsenal and England Physio commented, “This is the conclusion of a fantastic achievement by Simon. He has really helped to raise awareness of testicular cancer within the football community.”
After Simon’s visits two players, Chris Plummer (ex Peterborough) and Adam Tann (Leyton Orient) were both diagnosed with testicular cancer at early stages. Both have received treatment and are now in recovery.
“It has been an exciting challenge, and I’ve met some great people and been well supported by the clubs who have all helped me in my challenge to raise awareness within the football community.” commented Simon, “The main aim of the project was to raise awareness of testicular cancer, because if caught early enough it is 99% curable. Using the vehicle of football was and is an excellent way to help raise awareness to men and their partners and this ultimately can save lives.”
Simon has also collected signed replica shirts from every club visited which will be auctioned as one lot of unique item of football memorabilia, to raise money for the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign at one of the major auction houses later this year.
In the time it takes to play one 90 minute game of football, more than one man in the UK will have died of prostate cancer. That’s why Keep Your Eye On The Ball calls upon clubs and fans across the country to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular and prostate cancer and also raise money to help fund vital research.
