- DT38 Foundation held their third annual Awareness Day at London Stadium on Saturday
- Charity founded by Dylan Tombides' mother Tracy following hthe striker's death at the age of 20
- Cause aims to provide testicular cancer awareness through education and opportunities
Dylan Tombides’ legacy lived on at London Stadium as the DT38 Foundation held their third annual Awareness Day.
The charity was set up in memory of Dylan, who passed away aged 20 in April 2014 following a brave battle with cancer, to provide testicular cancer awareness through education and opportunities.
On Saturday, dozens of supporters of DT38 Foundation walked from The Boleyn Tavern in Upton Park to West Ham United’s new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to spread the message and raise funds for a cause close to the heart of everyone associated with the Club.
Dylan’s mother Tracy Tombides, founder of the DT38 Foundation, led the 3.8 mile walk – a figure fitting seeing as his No38 shirt has been retired by the Club – before speaking to the capacity crowd at half-time.
"We are extremely grateful for the tremendously warm support showed to DT38 Foundation throughout our third Awareness Day with West Ham United,” said Tracy, who was presented with a cheque for £1,500 raised by schoolchildren Leia, Kobi and Mali after the trio walked 38 miles in 38 days.
"From the honking horns and applause during our 3.8 mile walk to the London Stadium in the morning to the donations and having the opportunity to speak about the Foundation's work pitch-side at half time.
"A massive thank you to the staff and players at West Ham for helping make the day a great success and also to the many people who took part in the walk and, of course, to Lysis Financial for sponsoring it.”
We are extremely grateful for the tremendously warm support showed to DT38 Foundation throughout our third Awareness Day with West Ham United
Tracy Tombides
Through Dylan's real-life story teachers, parents and students will use Didge to gain the necessary knowledge about testicular cancer to enable them to be confident when taking health matters in their own hands.
In addition, DT38 Foundation will hold a free cancer screening day at Spire Roding Hospital on Saturday 20 May.
Tracy said the above events and initiatives mean less young men will fall victim to the same terrible disease which took her son’s life too soon.
"The Awareness Day is now a major date in DT38's UK calendar and it's partly because of that event, that we are able to educate children about health and well-being and continue to raise awareness of testicular cancer and promote the importance of self-checking to many more people,” said Tracy.
"We now need to build upon the success of the day so we can continue making a difference to people's lives, so if you can, please donate £3 by texting DIDGE to 70660, thank you."
For more information about DT38 Foundation, visit dt38.co.uk and follow @dylantombides.
Keep your eyes peeled to whufc.com for more stories about some of the people who make West Ham United much more than just a football club. #WeAreWestHam