A crowdfunding page set up in support of a Brentford staff member with cancer has raised more than double its target.
Peter Gilham, the club’s stadium announcer, announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer on his pre-season training camp blog.
“As is synonymous with men of my advanced years, PC has reared its ugly head,” he wrote.
“To help me combat it, I have enlisted a lovely, hard-working team of people who know how to go about it.
“So, daily visits to see them mean that I can’t be in two places at once.”
Several Brentford players have since voiced their support for Peter - who recently celebrated his 70th birthday - on Twitter.
Everyone is behind you Peter Gilham and wish you a speedy recovery 💪
— YoannBarbet (@BarbetYoann) July 9, 2017
I'm with skipper on this - truly a legend and an unbelievably great person as well with a big heart. Stay strong Pete ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/H9s6xohiMt
— Lasse Vibe (@LasseVibe) July 9, 2017
The JustGiving page was set up on July 15 to purchase a flag to be shown at the Bees’ first Sky Bet Championship home game against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
The flag cost £275, with the rest being donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
Having met its original £600 target, the total sum raised has now reached £1,485. Donations are still encouraged since proceeds will be given to charity.
Gary Levine, who set up the page, said: “The reason that I started this was to show Peter that the club [and] fans would be behind him every step of the way.
“He has worked at the club longer than some fans have been supporting Brentford and is a big part of what Brentford Football Club is today.”
To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/peterg
Donations will close shortly before Dean Smith’s men take on Forest at Griffin Park in two weeks’ time.
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