A CHARITY fun day is being staged in memory of a popular footballer who died aged 24 from a form of cancer.
Alex Wysocki died in March last year, just three weeks after being diagnosed with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung cancer.
Alex played for Oxenhope Recreation AFC in the West Yorkshire Association Football League, captaining the reserves.
And on Sundays, he turned out for Keighley Athletic FC in the Premier Division of the Wharfedale Triangle League.
"Alex was an incredibly well-loved member of both clubs," says Beth Hindle, of Keighley Athletic FC.
"His energy, passion and friendship left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him, both on and off the pitch."
The fun day is at the Marshall Wysocki Memorial Ground, Oxenhope – next to the village community centre – on Sunday, May 18.
All proceeds will go to EGFR Positive UK, a charity that helps those diagnosed with EGFR-mutated lung cancer and their families and supports research.
"It means so much to all of us to be able to raise awareness and funds," Beth adds.
The event will include the unveiling – at 12.30pm – of a plaque in memory of both Alex and Tommy Marshall, a stalwart member of the Oxenhope club who died in 2019, aged 25. The ground was renamed in honour of both men at the start of the season.
There will also be an 11-a-side memorial match; food and drink from Oakleys Grill & Pizzeria of Skipton and the Bronte Bar Company; family attractions including a penalty shootout, cake stall and raffle; and a VIP guest appearance.
Any businesses willing to offer raffle prizes are asked to contact either football club through their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram or X.
Alex's father, Charlie, hopes funds raised for the charity will boost efforts to achieve earlier diagnosis of EGFR.
He says: "The reason this disease is so difficult to pinpoint early is due to the fact it can present itself as a back or shoulder pain, and there is a misconception that all lung cancers are linked to smoking, which isn't true.
"Unfortunately by the time Alex's symptoms presented themselves, as a back injury, the EGFR mutation had spread.
"Donations to EGFR Positive UK will support work towards early diagnosis. If we can help one family to not have to go through what we've endured, it will be worthwhile."
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