Norfolk FA Announce Big C as new Charity Partner
Norfolk FA Announce Big C as new Charity Partner
Norfolk County Football Association is thrilled to confirm Big C as its official charity partner for the next two seasons.
The new partnership for Norfolk County FA was officially launched at the Norfolk FA Volunteer Awards 2024, on Friday evening at Sprowston Manor Hotel. You can read more about the Volunteer Awards by clicking here.
The story of Big C begins here in Norfolk. In the 1970s, two young men David Moar MBE and Clive Bamford, found themselves with cancer and having to travel to London and Cambridge for treatment, often finding this more gruelling than the treatment itself. David and Clive vowed to do something so that local people would have access to the best treatment and support closer to where they live. 40 years on, their vision has more than become a reality. The charity they founded, Big C, has raised over £40 million with on average £3 million raised each year by the local community and generous funders.
From its first small, but important fundraising project to supply chemotherapy equipment to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Big C has grown into an impressive organisation which funds specialist equipment and internationally significant research projects based at the Norwich Research Park. These projects greatly benefit local people and have a global impact on our understanding and treatment of the many types of cancer.
Norfolk County FA have been working on an initiative delivered between the County Football Association, Big C and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation for the past few months. The aim of the project is to deliver a Walking Football provision for people with cancer or those affected by cancer, and to also allow people to share stories, advice and make meaningful friendships. The connections made between the participants have already created a social network which goes beyond the walking football group, with participants now meeting with each other outside of the weekly sessions to socialise and support each other.
Dr Melanie Pascale, Big C Director of Charitable Operations, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Norfolk FA for inviting Big C to be its Charity Partner, supporting the important work the charity does throughout the county and beyond. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”
Norfolk FA Chairman, Michael Banham, added: “We are delighted to formally launch our new Charity Partnership with Big C, after working with them already for the past few months on an initiative at our Football Development Centre in Bowthorpe. After listening to Tom and Julian from Big C on Friday, it is clear to see that the charity prides itself on working with local communities in Norfolk and striving to give the best possible support and care to those affected by cancer.
“I, along with everyone at Norfolk FA, am looking forward to being involved in what will be a very impactful partnership.”
For more information surrounding Norfolk County Football Association, please visit NorfolkFA.com and for more information about Big C, please visit www.big-c.co.uk.
Photo credit (Images taken at Norfolk FA Volunteer Awards 2024): Ben Cunningham, https://cunninghamben.com/welcome.