Jack O'Connell becomes Ambassador for the Rams' charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Derby County is pleased to announce Jack O’Connell as the Rams’ Ambassador for their charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support for the 2014/15 season.

The Hollywood actor and Rams fan, 24, agreed to the new role last week.

O’Connell, who hails from Alvaston, recently worked alongside Angelina Jolie in the film Unbroken and is regarded as one of the most exciting up-and-coming actors. He has also starred in 300: Rise of an Empire and the hit TV series Skins, amongst a variety of other roles.

Members of his family have sadly passed away in recent years after being diagnosed with cancer and as a result he has received support from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Derby County’s Chief Operating Officer John Vicars said: “I have known Jack for several years and whilst he is a big supporter of the Club he is also someone who has seen at first hand the sterling work that is undertaken by Macmilllan.


“With his enhanced profile due to his forthcoming film and the fact that he is Derby born and bred I am sure he will be an excellent ambassador for the Club’s chosen charity.”


 

The relationship between Derby County and Macmillan kicked off last month and the Rams’ target is to raise £25,000 during the year-long partnership, and O’Connell’s Ambassadorial role will see him help promote the relationship and attend various promotional events at the iPro Stadium and Training Centre tying in with raising awareness and funds.

Each year 5,377 people in Derbyshire are diagnosed with cancer. Almost one in two people will be affected at some point during their lives. Macmillan is currently able to help just over half of these people, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. There are currently 36,000 people living with or beyond cancer in Derbyshire and with an ageing population, better diagnosis and treatment, the number is set to grow to 71,000 by the year 2030. That’s a 99% increase in just one generation and enough people to fill the iPro Stadium more than twice over.

Macmillan offers information, medical expertise, financial and practical support through a team of people, including doctors and nurses, so that they won’t have to face cancer alone. Macmillan’s aim is to support everyone who needs and wants their help.

In 2014, the charity needs to raise over £600,000 in Derbyshire to sustain current support and help fund new posts. One new project includes funding two acute oncology nursing specialists and a consultant’s time at Derby Royal Hospital. This will help speed up diagnosis and treatment, reduce inappropriate admissions and time spent in hospital, when people affected by cancer go to accident and emergency departments for help.

To find out more information about Macmillan by visiting: www.macmillan.org.uk.

 Derby fans can donate to the Derby County & Macmillan Cancer Support by texting DCMC84 then the amount they wish to donate (e.g. £2) to 70070 or by visiting www.justgiving.com/DCFCMacmillan.

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