Stefan Michaels

Founder Skegness Football Funds

The idea for Skegness Football Funds came from a family outing to Soccer Aid at Old Trafford in 2010. I love football and used to play a lot (a long time ago). Like most blokes, I still like to think of myself as a Ronaldo or Rooney. Although in my day it was Gazza.

The opportunity to have to go out and have a tough game of football, in a one off cup final, and to raise vital funds in the process was just too good to resist. Although the torn hamstring I got in the process probably served as a reminder that I'm not as young as I once was.

I couldn't have done any of this on my own. My wife Charlene, Tony Johnson, Jamie Whittam, Sandi Adams and Andrew Corssen were key players in the whole event. Without them there would certainly be no Skegness Football Funds.

But what better way to raise money for local charities and causes, and to promote Cancer services, then to go out and kick a ball around for 90 minutes.

All the training, pre match activities, all the kids watching their dads. Just like being at an F.A cup final.

In 2003 my mum passed away from Ovarian Cancer. She was 61 and had recently received her bus pass. I can still see it now when we had to empty her belongings out onto the hospital bed after she had passed away.

What struck me about the illness was the speed with which it took a healthy and fit woman, and within 7 months had taken her away from her family.

It took a long while to come to terms with it and, in some way, I don't think that you ever do. In 2004 I worked with the Richmond Holiday Centre to raise funds for "Ovacome" (Ovarian Cancer Charity) and "Cancer Research". I was privileged to perform with The Cheeky Girls and also my sister and the event was covered by Yorkshire TV. We raised over £2000 on that evening.

So when looking for a cause to which to associate Skegness Football Funds with, fighting Cancer and educating people with the support available was my only choice.

But I always want to keep the focus on supporting local charities and causes. Having already worked with Sandi Adams on a previous fundraiser for "Nicks Room", my wife and I were moved by her story. We were inspired by her fundraising and strength and we knew that this would be the cause we would support for our first Skegness Football Funds.

Sandi is still involved with Skegness Football Funds and we are still 100% committed to supporting The Butterfly Hospice, a cause for which she has already raised so much money for. But this year we shall also raise money for the Lincolnshire branch of Macmillan Cancer support. We also welcome the early Presentation of Cancer group to the event. raising awareness of all types of cancer.

Keeping the funds going to local cancer charities and causes and promoting cancer awareness in our community.

Many, many thanks,

Stefan Michaels www.stefanmichaels.net