Getting to know our ‘Get to know cancer activists’

During Premier League home matches this season, we’ve welcomed a number of ‘Get to know cancer activists’ to White Hart Lane. All of these ‘activists’ have been instrumental in helping to make the Club’s ‘Get to know cancer’ campaign a success amongst fans and the local community.

‘Get to know cancer’ aims to save lives in London. If cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage, a staggering 1,000 lives could be saved in the capital just by encouraging people to seek help for unusual or persistent symptoms at an earlier stage. But the campaign cannot do it without help.

‘Get to know cancer activists’ come from all walks of life with one shared goal – to help save lives through early detection of cancer. These volunteers have given up their time in rain and shine this season to support specialist cancer nurses at the ‘Get to know cancer’ market stall outside the stadium and to give fans important information on different cancers to be aware of.  

As we look forward to hosting these volunteers as our guests to the Club’s dedicated ‘Get to know cancer’ match this Saturday, we asked some of the ‘activists’ about their experience raising awareness of cancer and promoting early diagnosis at Tottenham Hotspur. Here’s what they had to say…

Sabena Williams

“I wanted to be involved in ‘Get to know cancer’ because I figured there can't be many people who won't be affected directly or indirectly by cancer and thought this was an amazing way to raise awareness.

“One enduring memory for me was when I went to give out leaflets to a young man who was sitting on his own watching the warm-up. He told me his wife had insisted he came to watch as she had just got out of hospital after a long cancer treatment. She made him go saying "you have missed too many matches looking after me, please go today". I realised all he wanted was to talk, so I sat with him and listened for as long as he wanted.

“Having the support of the Club is integral to our success. Gary Mabbutt is such an amazing ambassador for the Club and having him and Kyle Walker open the pop-up drop-in clinic in Tottenham was important. Wearing ‘Get to know cancer’ special edition shirts on Saturday will cement the players support.”

Kay Kennedy Shaw

“Having had breast cancer two years ago, I am very aware of how important early diagnosis is. After my treatment I knew I wanted to give something back and the opportunity to come to Spurs seemed perfect. The ‘Get to know cancer’ campaign has been great and I have been delighted with the response from the Club’s fans. People have been so receptive and interested and often willing to share their own personal stories of how they have been affected by the disease.”

Thank you to all ‘Get to know cancer activists’ who have volunteered their time since last August, helping to pass on vital information to our fans, and making the campaign a success.

There are a number of ways to get involved and become a ‘Get to know cancer activist’ to get people talking and acting sooner. For more information visit www.gettoknowcancer.org