The Club is delighted to announce that we are to rename the Town End as the Prostate Cancer UK Stand for the duration of the 2016/17 campaign.
Plans to rename the stand in support of the charity were unveiled before Saturday’s game against Mansfield Town when Chief Executive Russ Green was given a hero’s welcome back to The Vic.
Green had missed the last two Pools fixtures after walking an astonishing ten marathons in ten days alongside the Club’s Honorary President Jeff Stelling to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
During the incredible charity challenge, Green and Stelling covered 262 miles from The Vic to Wembley, visited over 30 football clubs and raised well in excess of £300,000.
Boss Craig Hignett presented a specially-framed Pools shirt to Green ahead of kick-off at the weekend before the Club confirmed plans to re-brand the Town End.
“We wanted to do something to build on what Russ and Jeff have done and further the bond between the Club and Prostate Cancer UK,” explained Chairman Gary Coxall.
“I completed some of the walk on Day 10 and that was enough for me – I have no idea how they have got up every day and covered the distances they have, it’s truly remarkable.
“It was great to welcome Russ back on Saturday, he got a great and well-deserved reception from the fans and the re-naming of the stand is a tribute to what he’s done and hopefully a way for us to further raise the profile of this worthwhile cause.”
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane, who walked two of the ten marathons – including the finale to Wembley – was touched by the gesture from the Club.
“After a truly incredible 10 days capped with a phenomenal fund-raising total of more than £310,000, it’s fantastic that we will be able to continue our relationship with Hartlepool United beyond the end of the walk,” Culhane commented.
“Russ and Jeff produced a superhuman effort to walk from Victoria Park to Wembley and the support we had along the way from those who walked and those who donated was magnificent.
“The amazing send-off we had from Hartlepool and the support throughout the 10 days set the tone; the scenes when the team bus diverted to meet them on Easter Sunday showcasing what a special Club it is.
“The money and awareness raised will be life-altering to the men affected by prostate cancer and their loved ones, and the unveiling of the Prostate Cancer UK Stand at Victoria Park will allow us to continue the momentum.
“By working with the Club, and in the local area, we will ensure the legacy of Jeff, Russ and all our inspirational walkers will be able to make sure prostate cancer is a disease that men no longer fear.”
You can still show your support for Jeff and Russ by donating to their sponsorship total – visit www.menunitedmarch.org or simply text ‘JEFF’ to 70004 to donate £3 to Prostate Cancer UK now.