As the world’s best players prepare for the World Cup in Qatar, supporters at home are being invited to celebrate the beautiful game by taking part in the One Million Keepy Uppy Challenge for Brain Tumour Research.
We are delighted to have teamed up with our local team MK Dons to launch the challenge and they are encouraging residents and supporters to complete a cup-worthy 10,000 keepy uppies towards our goal of one million.
Earlier this week, first-team players met 10-year-old Jude Upton at Stadium MK, including forward Joshua Kayode (pictured with Jude). Jude is currently going through treatment for a grade 4 medulloblastoma.
Jude’s mum Katie said: “Jude had an amazing day at MK Dons and loved meeting the players and receiving a football shirt, which the players signed in front of him. It made him smile a lot, which is lovely because his smiles are quite rare these days.”
Sadly, there are no further treatment options available in the UK for Jude. His family is crowdfunding for treatment abroad, which they believe is their only option.
Katie added: “We are in an impossible situation. Without investment in research to find out more about brain tumours, there will be no hope for patients like Jude. We really need lots of people to get involved in this challenge for Brain Tumour Research to help spread the word and to raise vital funds.”
A spokesman for MK Dons said: “It is extremely moving to hear the stories of brain tumour patients and shocking to learn the statistics around this disease. We are really proud to be supporting Brain Tumour Research and hope, along with them, to give brain tumours the red card.”
The challenge kicks off on Friday 18th November. To join the team, and find out how you can get your hands on a special tournament medal and fundraising pack, visit: www.braintumourresearch.org/million-keepy-uppy
Related reading:
If you found this story interesting or helpful, sign up to our weekly e-news and keep up to date with all the latest from Brain Tumour Research.