Signed Chesterfield FC shirt given to family of seriously ill Spireites’ fan

The club presented the shirt to Julie Banks, the daughter of Brian Debell, on Friday.

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Mr Debell, 77, was a Chesterfield FC season ticket holder until he was taken ill with a brain tumour towards the end of last year.

After receiving the shirt from Spireites’ chief executive John Croot, Mrs Banks, 51, said: “My dad has always liked his football and went to Chesterfield matches for around 10 years – he used to go with his wife, Kathleen.

“He’s in a care home in Chesterfield at the moment and we hope to go and visit him soon to show him the signed shirt – he’ll be very happy about it.

“It will bring a smile to his face to see that people from the club are thinking about him.”

She added: “I would like to thank Chesterfield FC officials and academy manager Neil Cluxton for arranging the lovely presentation.

“They couldn’t have been more helpful and understanding and it really is very much appreciated.”

More than 11,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in the UK each year, of which around half are cancerous. Many others are diagnosed with a secondary brain tumour.

Brain tumour symptoms vary depending on the exact part of the brain affected. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, and persistent nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.

For more information about brain tumours, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-tumours and www.thebraintumourcharity.org

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