A Wimbledon supporter from Beckenham has written a letter of thanks to our Dons Local Action Group for making a big difference to him at this tough time.
Despite David Williamson living outside the club’s traditional catchment area – and indeed the delivery zone for our fantastic community initiative – organisers of our Dons Local Action Group ensured that he received a much-needed food package. And there was also the bonus of a phone call from Glyn!
David said: “I’m so thankful for the empathy and kindness shown to me at this difficult time. What a fantastic football club AFC Wimbledon is!"
The kind gesture came about after Gary Haines from Prostate Cancer UK contacted our media department about David’s situation and we put him in touch with Xavier Wiggins from our Dons Local Action Group.
After recently being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, David Williamson, 74, found himself isolated and without fresh food and necessities in his home in Beckenham.
A big AFC Wimbledon fan who listens to the club’s fortunes on local radio, David got in touch with BBC Radio London asking for help, and they passed on the message to former Charlton Athletic press man, Gary Haines, now Sports PR Manager at Prostate Cancer UK.
Former electrician David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in mid-January and is one of 38,000 men living with the disease in the London area. He is also asthmatic so was consigned to his flat in South London due to the Covid-19 crisis, and with his nearest family member 150 miles away, his stress and worry prompted him to pick up the phone.
A call for help went out among the staff at Prostate Cancer UK and there was no shortage of offers with James Nelson who lived nearby, stepping up and completing his own version of ‘supermarket sweep’ and delivering the goods to David.
James said: “It was easy for me to reach out as I lived nearby. It felt like Supermarket Sweep Soviet style, but it was just a case of getting what I could. The eggs were a bonus. I don’t see myself as a hero. The real heroes are the nurses and the emergency services. I just did what I can to help.”
Over 4,800 men in the London area are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Prostate Cancer UK’s dedicated team of specialist nurses remain on hand to speak to and reassure all men and their families currently affected by prostate cancer in the UK, and the implications of COVID-19. To speak to a specialist nurse or for more information call 0800 074 8383, or visit the Prostate Cancer UK website .
The Dons Local Action Group are continuing their great work in the Wimbledon community, providing food and provisions for those in need at this difficult time. The group, which is stringently following Public Health England, MVCS and Mutual Aid guidelines, would love to hear from anyone else who would like to help. Financial donations can be made by visiting the JustGiving page, while volunteers can make direct contact by calling 020 3301 4511, or by e-mailing DLA@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk .