Former Celtic footballer John Hartson has called on supporters to hot foot it to his cancer charity’s latest fundraiser – a firewalk across burning hot coals.
John was speaking in Glasgow tonight at a gala ball to celebrate the John Hartson Foundation’s fifth birthday. The charity was set up in 2010, a year after his life-threatening battle with testicular cancer.
The 40-year-old and his Scots wife Sarah, from Fort William, were joined by more than 350 guests including Mrs Brown’s Boys’ star Gary Hollywood, who is a patron of the John Hartson Foundation, and hosted the event.
Glasgow’s Lord Provost Sadie Docherty and charity campaigner Lisa Hague, fiancée of Celtic’s Kris Commons were also among the guests.
John said: ““I’m delighted to see so many people here tonight joining me and the Foundation team to help us celebrate the charity’s fifth birthday.
“When I was recovering from my cancer in 2009 I vowed to give something back and to do all that I could to prevent other people from making the same mistake I did, and putting their life at risk by ignoring symptoms.
“Seeing the support we’ve had and the difference we’ve made means the world to me. We’ve been able to help a number of very worthy causes so far.”
As a dad-of-five, John is passionate about helping families whose lives lives have been affected by cancer. Among the donations the Foundation has made to date are £50,000 to Yorkhill Children’s Charity, £50,000 to Children’s Hospice Association’s Robin House, Balloch, and £35,000 to the Maggie’s cancer caring centres organisations.
John said: “Our next big fundraising event is our Grab Life by the Balls firewalk next month. If anyone fancies a real fiery challenge ahead of bonfire night, this is the one for you. And the more money we can raise, the more people we can help.”
The John Hartson Foundation firewalk takes place at Mar Hall, Bishopton, on Wednesday, November 4, from 6pm to 11pm, Registration is open now at www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk
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