Chris Kamara signs as Marie Curie Football Ambassador

Chris Kamara has been named as an ambassador for Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of the charity’s Official Partnership with The Football League for the 2010/11 season.

As the face of the campaign, the popular pundit will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2011 to raise cash for the charity. And he’s encouraging football fans to join him and help take over ‘Mount Kamaramanjaro’.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is the League’s Official Charity Partner this season, having been nominated by fans from across the country.

Kamara has backed the partnership in memory of his late mother, who was cared for by Marie Curie nurses before her death in 2003.

He said: “Today I’m calling on football fans to take up the Kamaramanjaro challenge for this fantastic cause.

“My mum was cared for at home by Marie Curie Nurses, so I know how important the work of the charity is. It is very close to my heart.

“The beautiful game, like life, has its highs and lows and it’s reassuring to know that Marie Curie Cancer Care is there for people during their last days, giving them the choice of where they want to be.

“Together, Football League fans can make a difference this season by getting involved and helping to achieve the fundraising goal of £500,000 – enough to fund 25,000 hours of free Marie Curie nursing care. Now that’s unbelievable!”

Fans that can’t do the Kilimanjaro climb, can sign up for a challenge closer to home in a bike ride from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs at The Football League, said: “Chris Kamara is a real fans’ favourite and it is fantastic that he is giving up his time to help the partnership in this way.

“I would encourage as many fans as possible to get involved with this worthy cause – together we can raise half a million pounds for Marie Curie this season.”

A dedicated Marie Curie week, March 7-13, 2011, will also see the League’s 72 clubs raise funds during their home games.

There are many ways Football League fans can get behind the partnership from volunteering to do a charity collection before a game or even coming up with a unique fundraising event.

To make a £3 donation to Marie Curie, text GOAL to 70300.¹

-ENDS-

^{1. Each text will cost £3 plus your standard network messaging rate. Marie Curie Cancer Care will receive at least £2.67 from each donation depending on the network, some networks payout 100 per cent. Please get the bill payer’s permission to donate. For full terms and conditions visit www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie↩}