AFC Swan look for another challenge as we set about cycling 80 KM from the Swan to Blackpool Tower. After a very successful season on the pitch, the team want to match this success by raising money for our Charity Sponsor Sam's Gift. This charity is very close to all of our hearts, as it is one of the lad's family's charity which do incredible work supporting young adults and teenagers with cancer at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.

On July 16th, 22 swans will set off from the Swan in Tottington and make their way to the finish line at the infamous Blackpool Tower. In which we can then celebrate the end of a championship winning season and begin our search for another title. 

About Sam's Gift

Sam's Gift charity ran by Sue, Tom and Danny offer essential support and journey boxes to young adults and teenagers diagnosed with cancer at The Christies.

Cancer is difficult at any age, but as a teenager or young adult you understand what may happen and know what life should hold ahead. The positivity that Sam showed throughout treatment is something that we want to encourage in others. In Sam's memory, we have created Sam's Gift - a 'Journey Box' where hopes, fears and wishes can be expressed.

We want to help young cancer patients through the difficult times which may lie ahead of them. Sam's Gift aims to give something positive, at a time when it is most needed.

Initially, the boxes will be sent to teenagers and young adults, currently battling cancer at The Christie Hospital, where Sam underwent his treatment.

About Sam

Sam was a sensitive but forthright character who cared deeply for his family and friends.

At 21 he gained a degree in Sports Science at Birmingham University. He was fit, healthy and a regular at the gym. Sam loved running and played Football & Hockey competitively from a young age. He had even represented his County and Region. His motto was “Play to Win!”.

After leaving university, Sam started a job. Although it wasn't his 'forever career', it enabled him to buy his beloved first car. We and he believed he had a whole life ahead of him and time to do whatever he wanted.

Unfortunately, Sam started to feel unwell and he began a rollercoaster of events in May 2014. 

Amazing Sam remained so positive… That’s not to say he had his down moments, but he would pick himself up and say “I am going to fight this!”. He faced everything head on and didn’t shy away from letting family and friends know about his diagnosis.

Sadly, the T-Cell Lymphoma that he was diagnosed with, was particularly aggressive. We lost Sam in November 2014, but he fought until the very end.

We want to do something that not only ensures Sam’s memory lives on, but help other teenagers and young adults in a similar position. We know that's exactly what Sam would have wanted.

Sam and what he had hoped to do have inspired the items in the Journey Box. They are Sam's Gift.

Message from Danny:

"I'd like to thank all of you for all your support, the partnership between Sams Gift and AFC Swan is a special one, it is more than just a team. Sam battled cancer as he did playing the game he loved - brave, courageous, never backing down and truly inspiring. He was a fighter on and off the pitch and a leader, someone that put everything on the line for his family, friends and teammates no matter what stood across from him; he loved a challenge. This is why it was an absolute honour to wear the kit which symbolised his passion and love he had for the beautiful game and only makes it right to be able to give something back and to be able to do it with such a great set of lads makes it even better! Thank you."