Barnsley Football Club and Sheffield United Football Club will team up later this month in a region-first joint partnership to support Weston Park Cancer Charity.
Regional rivalries will be sidelined to raise funds and awareness for Weston Park, which provides cancer support services, enables research and enhances treatment experiences for people affected by cancer across South Yorkshire and beyond.
The partnership was announced at a matchday-style press conference held at Weston Park Cancer Support in Sheffield – the home of Weston Park Cancer Charity’s cancer support services.
It will officially launch when the Reds take on the Blades at Oakwell on 24 October (kick-off 12:30pm) and will continue for the remainder of the 21/22 season, with campaigns, events and fundraising taking place throughout the football season.
Weston Park Cancer Charity supports people living with and beyond cancer across the South Yorkshire, north Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire regions.
Darren Hayes, Business Development Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “The continued support of both Barnsley and Sheffield United football clubs means so much to Weston Park Cancer Charity and the people we support.
“The Weston Park takeover days at Oakwell and Bramall Lane are always highlights on our busy events calendar, and the prospect of having fans back in the stadium for this special occasion makes us even more excited for the launch of this unique partnership.
“Sadly, one in two of us will face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. However, by working together we can support each other and our communities and improve outcomes for cancer patients across the region.”
Andrew Clark, Head of Marketing and Communications at Barnsley FC, said: “We’re proud to have joined with Sheffield United for the 21/22 season to support Weston Park Cancer Charity. The charity works tirelessly to support people and communities across South Yorkshire, including in Barnsley and the surrounding areas.
“We’re honoured to have launched this new partnership to raise awareness of that work and we encourage both sets of fans to support this new initiative by giving what they can to a brilliant cause.”
Dave McCarthy, Head of Operations at Sheffield United FC, said: “We’ve been proud to support the work of Weston Park Cancer Charity for more than 27 years and look forward to teaming up with Barnsley Football Club to unite behind a fantastic charity.
"Players, management, staff and fans at both here at Bramall Lane and at Oakwell have all played a huge role in supporting Weston Park over the years, and we are delighted to launch this joint venture to support people affected by cancer.
“A cancer diagnosis can change everything – but by coming together to raise vital funds and awareness of this great charity, so can we."
For more information on the new partnership between Barnsley Football Club and Sheffield United Football Club, visit www.westonpark.org.uk.