This World Cancer Day, we’re proud to highlight the impact of Clarets VS Cancer, Burnley FC in the Community’s dedicated programme for people living with or beyond cancer.

A cancer diagnosis affects far more than the body. It touches mental health, relationships, confidence, and the wellbeing of loved ones. Many participants told us that while their families cared deeply, they couldn’t fully understand the emotional weight of a diagnosis. Clarets VS Cancer offers a space where people feel truly understood by others who ‘get it’.

Since launching in 2023, the programme has grown into a full support pathway. Alongside rehabilitation, we now offer a dedicated prehabilitation service – supporting individuals from the moment of diagnosis through the challenging period before treatment begins. This early intervention helps people feel stronger, more informed, and more in control at a time when life can feel overwhelming.

What Clarets VS Cancer provides

• A welcoming group centred around rehabilitation, information, social connection, and exercise
• A safe, supportive environment for anyone living with or beyond cancer
• One‑to‑one guidance to help people feel physically and emotionally stronger
• A focus on early prevention and raising awareness of cancer signs and symptoms
• Activities designed to build connection, reduce isolation, and support wellbeing

In January, we were honoured to welcome Match of the Day to Turf Moor for a special feature on Clarets VS Cancer. Joined by Bashir Humphries, it was a powerful opportunity to showcase the programme’s impact- highlighting the friendships, solidarity, and hope that emerge when people come together through shared experience.

Partnerships that make a difference

The strength of Clarets VS Cancer lies not only in the people who attend, but also in the organisations who stand beside us.

Kindly supported by Fort Vale Nuclear, Peter Stavely, Managing Director shared:

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Burnley FC in the Community, supporting their incredible efforts to help those living with or beyond cancer through the ‘Clarets Vs Cancer’ group. This collaboration reflects our core values – empowering future generations, promoting health and wellbeing, and fostering a sustainable future. By partnering with BFCitC, we’re not only supporting our team but also making a meaningful difference in the wider community. The success of many of BFCitC’s vital programmes depends on the support of like‑minded organisations, and we are honoured to play our part.”

Their commitment, alongside the support of Spring North, NHS Lancashire & South Cumbria, and MacMillan, ensures that Clarets VS Cancer continues to grow, evolve, and reach the people who need it most.

A Community Connected

Cancer affects us all – directly or indirectly.

On World Cancer Day, we celebrate the courage of every person who walks through our doors, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the generosity of our partners who make this work possible.

Together, we’re not just raising awareness. We’re raising each other.

For more information about our Clarets VS Cancer programme, please contact Farrah: f.imtiaz@burnelyfc.com

Clarets VS Cancer is made possible by the Premier League and Professional Footballer’s Association. Administered through the Premier League Foundation, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive