Former Reading FC midfielder Paul Cannoville is taking part in a celebrity match to raise money for a cancer charity.

Cannoville was Chelsea's first black player in 1982 and encountered racism throughout his career.

Joining the Royals in 1986, he endured an injury-struck 12 months before being forced to retire in 1987.

 

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Since retiring from the game, the left-winger went on to have a tough time, suffering with cancer three times, developing an addiction to crack cocaine, and even suffering badly from Covid-19 and being placed into a coma.

He has since used his difficult situations to educate the next generation, having worked as a teaching assistant and setting up The Paul Canoville Foundation to promote confidence, well being, diversity and resilience.

Fellow ex-professionals Marcus Gayle and Colin Hendry are amongst the celebrity side playing at the Bee Arena in Peterborough on Saturday, July 9 to raise money for Anna's Hope children's charity.

Anna's Hope assists in the rehabilitation of children and young people who have suffered from a brain tumour or who have had brain surgery . It also will fund research into the causes , treatment and cure of childhood brain tumours.

Click here for tickets and more details.