This Christmas, the football community and beyond are coming together to help a former player in desperate need. Jakub Sokolik, a beloved ex-Southend United player, is facing one of the toughest battles a parent can endure: his three-year-old son is fighting B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a fast-growing and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Jakub has called the UK home for over a decade, having played for teams including Liverpool, Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United, Yeovil Town, and the Shrimpers. However, due to heartbreaking circumstances, his son is ineligible for NHS treatment. The costs of this life-saving care have already pushed Jakub into significant debt, and the family is now facing a daunting financial hurdle to continue their little boy’s treatment.
Charlie Hempstead’s Marathon Mission
Enter Charlie Hempstead, the dedicated programme editor and match reporter for Isthmian League Premier Division underdogs Horsham FC. At 63 years old, Charlie vowed 14 years ago never to run a marathon again—but desperate times call for extraordinary measures. Motivated by Jakub’s situation, Charlie is lacing up his running shoes to participate in the Chasing Numbers Christmas Cracker marathon on December 20. His goal? To raise vital funds to cover the next phase of treatment for Jakub’s son and to give the Sokolik family a Christmas filled with joy and hope.
A Call to Action for Football Fans and Beyond
Charlie’s appeal transcends club loyalties. He is calling on football fans everywhere, whether they support Southend United, Horsham, or any other team, to come together and help make a difference. Even the smallest donation can bring the Sokolik family closer to affording the life-saving treatment their son needs.
How You Can Help
The family’s GoFundMe campaign has raised £5,115 so far, with a target of £7,000. Your support can bridge the gap and provide the funds necessary to continue this young boy’s fight against cancer. Every contribution, big or small, matters in this race against time.
Visit the GoFundMe page at gofund.me/3d651b1f to donate and share the campaign with your friends, family, and fellow fans. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember for Jakub, his son, and their family, and give them a New Year filled with hope.
Together, we can show that the spirit of football extends beyond the pitch. Let’s rally behind Charlie’s efforts and help make a life-changing impact. Please, give what you can today.