Support Zac's fight against cancer: Take part in a local fundraising football tournament

University alumni and Royal Air Force Officer is running an event to raise funds for a very honourable cause. Help Mike to support a family going through a challenging time, while having fun at a family friendly day out. 

On Saturday 21 September 2024 Mike's friends, Keely and Jake, received news no parent wants to hear, their little boy Zac, only 2 years and 9 months old, has a brain tumour. On 23 September 2024, Zac had brain surgery to remove the tumour and from the biopsies found that the tumour was cancer. Zac was subsequently diagnosed with Ependymoma.

While the surgery was mostly successful, Zac has developed posterior fossa syndrome meaning he is now undergoing Neurorehabilitation to relearn how to speak, walk, eat, sit..etc. On top of this Zac now must begin proton radiation treatment in Manchester and has a long road ahead.

Jake and Keely are now going through the hardest time of their lives while Zac undergoes his treatment while also trying to maintain some form of normality for their daughter Elodie. We are trying to support the family as much as we can and appreciate everyone who can support.

Join the football tournament as a player or spectator 

On Sunday 8 December 2024 there will be a fundraising event at The Rec, Hall Street, Darlaston, WS10 8NW, to support Zac and his family through this tough time. The event will consist of a 6-a-side football tournament followed by an evening in the clubhouse where we will hold a quiz and a raffle.

The event will run the following schedule:

• 11am  – Players arrive
• 12 noon-4pm – Football Tournament
• 5pm – Function room/Bar open
• 6pm – Quiz Begins
• 8pm – Raffle
• 10pm – Bar Close

We are asking for players to pay £10 to participate in the tournament, £2 per person for the Quiz and raffle tickets will be sold at £1 per ticket. These are minimum contributions and hope that people can donate generously throughout the day.

Ways you can support

• Submit a team for the tournament or attend as an individual and we will create teams.
• Attend the whole day or part of the day including the quiz and/or raffle.
• Donate a prize that can be used in the raffle.   
• Bring friends/family to support on the day.
• To register a team or as a player, or for more information please contact Mike at: mikeed_@hotmail.co.uk.
• Donate whatever you can to the GoFundMe page.

There is no need to register to attend the event, entry is free, and all are welcome!

About the organiser 

Alumni, Mike Penn, says: "Originally born in Wolverhampton, I have studied with the University of Wolverhampton three times, first graduating in 2014 from a BA (hons) Sports Studies undergraduate degree. Returning to graduate in 2019 from a PGCE Post-compulsory Education, and finally graduating in 2023 with a MA Education degree.

"I have spent a lot of my academic life at the University and stayed connected throughout the years in many ways. I have always received great support from the University, especially during my recent MA studies where I completed a large proportion of this while deployed overseas.

"This success was made possible by the immense support of my tutor Dr Lizana Oberholzer. Currently, I am a serving Officer in the Royal Air Force since 2020, based down in Bedfordshire."