A panel of inspirational speakers passed on their experiences with cancer at a special event hosted as part of the Head 4 Health project by Wolves Foundation.
Wolves’ legend Steve Daley, Foundation Community Connector Garry Leslie and Louise Morgan, who previously worked in the military, gave powerful presentations around how they coped with their respective diagnoses and the importance of early treatment.
Both Steve and Garry have come through diagnoses with prostate cancer, whilst Louise continues to show extraordinary bravery as she has treatment for liver cancer, having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Cancer Awareness event was put on as part of the Foundation’s Head 4 Health project to try and inform participants and encourage them to seek medical advice with any concerns.
Nuffield Health, one of Wolves Foundation’s Pack Patrons, were on hand to carry out medical checks while many other organisations were also represented on the evening, including MacMillan Cancer Support, NHS Living Beyond Cancer Support, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer and the OddBalls Foundation.
Elliot Frampton, from Oddballs, also gave a presentation about the work of the Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about testicular cancer.
Steve, who underwent surgery and treatment his diagnosis in 2022, has been involved with several different organisations and charities in helping raise awareness of the importance of symptoms and receiving an early diagnosis.
“It was a huge shock when I first got told I had cancer, but, sadly as we know, it is indiscriminate and can happen to anyone,” says Daley, who scored 43 goals from 244 appearances for Wolves between 1971 and 1979.
“We probably all think we are invincible, especially if we think we have kept ourselves in decent shape, but you never know what is around the corner.
“What I try and say to people from my experience is that if you have any sort of symptoms, or something just doesn’t feel right, make sure you go and get it checked out.
“I am always happy to talk to people and pass on my experiences, but I was also massively inspired by listening to the stories of Louise and Garry as well.
“Hopefully what we said was of help to people and also shows the importance of speaking and sharing our thoughts can also make such a positive difference.”
Refreshments courtesy of some fantastic cakes were provided on the night thanks to Wolves Head Chef Luke Hitchens from Levy UK, a long-time supporter of Head 4 Health.
“We decided as part of our Head 4 Health programme to hold a Cancer Awareness Evening to provide guidance and support for any of our participants who may wish to know more,” said Steve Maiden, Health Officer with Wolves Foundation.
“Louise, Steve and Garry all gave really powerful presentations which both informed and inspired all of us who were present, and it was also great to see so many different organisations represented to help pass on advice and guidance.
“Hopefully it’s an event we’ll be able to repeat in the future.”
Head 4 Health is a project which aims to improve the mental wellbeing of adults through informal but educational workshops and physical activity.
It was previously funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers Association with additional funding from City of Wolverhampton Council.
