Huddersfield Town walking football sessions provides Dave with an outlet post cancer diagnosis
In 2021, Dave was diagnosed with stage 3/4 bowel cancer. After consultation at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Dave had most of his bowel system removed and thought he was in the clear.
After six months of recuperation, Dave felt confident enough to get back involved in the Huddersfield Town Foundation walking football sessions. He reguarly attended both sessions every week and felt it was improving his physical and mental health.
Unfortunately, in January 2023 after a regular check, cancer was found again in his right lung and Dave had to have 50% of his lung removed in July 2023. With encouragement from family and friends, Dave was determined to get back to the sessions he loved at Huddersfield Town.
Sue Bretton (Dave’s Wife) said: “Dave benefits from the exercise which he needs, but he also really benefits from being around the other chaps, because men don’t always talk, but in a session like this they can. They help each other and that helps those of us who live with them. Dave loves to come down and without the football Dave wouldn’t have anything activity wise to look forward to every week, but this is a place where Dave doesn’t have to put on a show for anyone – he can be himself and get the most he can out of it.”