Testimonials
This testimonial showcases the positive impact and support offered.
Testimonial
In late 2021 after witnessing the benefits that Walking Football had on Parkinsons sufferers I was inspired to try and replicate that for those living with Cancer. Having been diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in Feb 2020 and had my left kidney removed in May 2020 I knew that Walking Football had helped me through that process. A telephone conversation ensued with Stuart Langworthy from the WFA who I knew well having played for his England over 60s team from 2018 to 2019.
He was very supportive and said you must touch base with Tony Linforth Hall who has the same vision.Tony was battling blood cancer and was part of Stuart’s We are Undefeatable project during lockdown. Some enjoyable phone calls followed, and a plan of action was formed. Using the power of Facebook and Twitter now X I had a positive response and a core of 12 potential players soon emerged. At this point I twisted the arm of two England colleagues Roy Gladwell and Janes Trant who kindly agreed to buy us a kit.The kit was ordered adorned with the TLH Kicking Cancer logo that Tony had designed.
Our first ever match took place on Friday 14th April 2023 at Burton Albion against a Chesterfield FC Community Trust cancer team.We got off to a flying start with a 7-3 victory and I managed to bag six goals. Another memorable match was held on Saturday 8th July 23 against Arsenal Strollers at Emirates Hub next to the main stadium. It was our first defeat against a very strong Arsenal Strollers team but only by a single goal. More importantly Tony was able to attend the match and see his vision becoming a reality. Sadly, Tony passed away later that week after a long and courageous battle. Stuart Langworthy and I were honoured to attend the funeral in Southwark and Stuart gave a wonderful tribute to Tony. Since then, we have continued playing on a regular basis and on the 15th of November 2024 we won our first silverware in the Rushall Charity Tournament in aid of Cancer Charities.Another notable achievement is the formation of two England Cancer teams under 60s mixed and over 60s men’s. Both teams will be playing their first ever fixtures against Jersey and Guernsey at St Helier in May 2025. There are also currently trials taking place for an England Women’s Cancer team. Lots to look forward to and I am proud to be heading up the project and continuing to honour Tony’s legacy.
Best thing I have ever been involved in.
John Cooper
Testimonial
Walking football is an excellent way to stay active and improve my health and well-being. I enjoy organising our sessions and the social side of those sessions. It’s improved my balance, coordination and mobility. I enjoy meeting the other people who take part and spending time with them.
Benny Stone
Testimonial
A few years ago, I was going through a difficult time battling prostate cancer. Then I discovered Walking Football, and it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Through it, I met Tony Linforth-Hall, who became a very good friend. Walking Football has been life-changing, and to this day, it remains one of the best things I do.
Anonymous
Testimonial
El ser parte de TLH Kicking Cancer para mi es muy importante. El ejercicio y la camaradería llenan mi vida. Y sobretodo el poder apoyar a una causa tan importante. Hemos sido 3 Latinoamericanos que desde hace ya algunos años hemos jugado walking football, desgraciadamente ahora solo quedamos 2 ya que una gran amiga y compañera murió con cáncer. Por ella, por Tony Linforth-Hall tenemos que seguir adelante jugando, apoyándonos el uno al otro y seguir siendo parte de esta tan importante organización.
Fabiola