John Hartson announces his foundation is to work with Maggie’s

Ex-Celtic and Wales footballer John Hartson visited Maggie’s Glasgow Centre today to launch his Bravehart Challenge and confirm the link up between the John Hartson Foundation and Maggie’s.

On Thursday 14 July, John Hartson is climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, standing at 1,344 metres (4,408 feet). The date is quite literally etched in John’s mind;

• in 2008 John’s daughter Lena was born at Singleton Hospital in his home town of Swansea.

• In 2009 John received a life saving brain operation after his testicular cancer spread throughout his body

• While recuperating from gruelling operations and over 70 chemotherapy sessions at his in-laws at Spean Bridge in the Highlands, John vowed to climb Ben Nevis

• So on 14 July 2010 John climbed the mountain with 65 friends and supporters

• On 14 July 2011 he is returning to the mountain again and hoping to get even more people to join him

John said; ‘I’ve received so much support throughout my career and beyond from the people in Scotland, I really can’t thank them enough. I’m determined to raise awareness and funds for people affected by cancer and I hope that I’ll get a good crowd of people to climb Ben Nevis with me in July. It will be a great day out and the funds will really make a difference.’

John added; ‘Fifty percent of the funds raised through my foundation will go to Maggie’s Centres. I’m excited to be supporting them as they are developing centres throughout the UK, including one in my home town of Swansea and I know how much of a need there is for places that people and their families can go. My own oncologist introduced me to Maggie’s, he is also a huge supporter. Maggie’s programme of support and all they have to offer is so important, people need a place to turn. I’m delighted my foundation has something so positive to focus on. I’ll also be supporting other charities as well.’

Murray Easton from Maggie’s Centres said; ‘As a football fan I am fully aware of John’s passion and determination on the pitch. Off the field, he is no different and these characteristics have helped him to get through his battle with cancer and he is now looking to help as many people as possible. It is a pleasure to have his support for Maggie’s.’

Sign-up today to join John on his ‘Brave Hart Challenge’ on 14 July 2011

Places are limited to 200 walkers and John is looking forward to meeting all on the day and raising funds to help in his quest in cancer awareness.

For further information please call Murray Easton on 0141 341 5681 or email murray.easton@maggiescentres.org.

As part of his visit, John Hartson was interviewed by Clyde1 and STV's Laura Boyd for her Leukaemia blog.