Manchester City surprised a community champion who supports people suffering with Cancer with a well-deserved treat in time for Christmas.
Forty-three-year-old Derrick Evans from Mossley was invited to the Etihad Stadium for what he thought was a chance to tour City’s home, only to be surprised by Club captain David Silva and former star Micah Richards after being selected from thousands of worthy nominations of Cityzens who deserved a special City surprise this Christmas.
Derrick’s story stood out among thousands of inspirational nominations from our fans in 2019.
The duo were armed with donations for Derrick’s charity, Cancer Warriors, and revealed City would be helping to raise additional awareness for its cause on Sunday 29 December, when Pep Guardiola’s side host Sheffield United in the Premier League.
Derrick, who has survived cancer three times, received six tickets for the game, where Cancer Warriors will be bucket collecting and their branding will be included on the LED ribbon inside the stadium, whilst £1 from all sales of scarfs sold in the City Store will also be donated to the charity.
The Cancer Warriors’ mascot will also join Moonchester and Moonbeam at the fixture.
Derrick was diagnosed with stage four cancer at the Christie Hospital in Manchester in 2007 after leaving a lump for two years.
Twelve years on from that, the father of one has become a well-known and inspirational figure in his local community after setting up Cancer Warriors to support others. The Charity has a support and information centre in Stalybridge and also hosts monthly drop-in centres at Stamford Park and the Reclamation Rooms in Uppermill.
“Derrick is a huge inspiration to the Manchester community and it was a privilege to meet him,” said Richards. “His charity is making a real difference so that’s why David and I wanted to give him a little surprise before Christmas!”
Derrick was nominated by his friend, Malc, for his sheer determination and spirit in fighting cancer three times.
“Derrick has been a City fan all his life,” added Malc. “He is a true inspiration and I feel he deserves a special City Christmas as well as those who are also part of the Cancer Warriors team.
“I am proud to have him as a friend. He is a humble man and will probably try to say he does not deserve it, but he really does.”
