Non-League Day: Retired teacher to make dugout debut for Ossett United

The 60-year-old, a retired school teacher, has penned a short-term deal to make his dugout debut on Saturday as the Sheepicorns host Grimsby Borough on Non-League Day.

Danny was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in June 2021. He’s been a long-term supporter of Prostate Cancer UK in that time including a previous matchday collection at Ingfield.

His plan was to attend the March 28th match together with friends and family to again raise funds and awareness of the disease, but upon learning of his story, Ossett decided to centre the day around him.

And during training on Tuesday night, manager James Walshaw introduced the new staff member to the players, to Danny’s surprise and delight.

As new assistant boss, Danny was presented with a branded bench-coat together with initials DB, plus a match shirt with Burkey 45, the 45 to highlight how one man dies every 45 minutes from the disease. His new role will see him address the players, and he’ll be in the dressing room pre-game, and on the bench when the action starts.

“I’m gobsmacked,” he said. “It’s a wonderful gesture from the club, and has made my day.

“I love coming down to Ingfield. It’s a great place to watch football and I’ve enjoyed some great moments here with my family. But Saturday will take that to a whole new level. The club have always been great with me when I’ve attended with a collection bucket, but this means so much more, not just to myself but everyone affected by this disease. Thanks so much to everyone involved.”

Burkey was diagnosed in July 2021. Sadly, the cancer had spread to his bones, and his treatment options have since rescinded. But he remains upbeat and optimistic, and urged others to understand their risk of the disease.

He added: “As a person with quite high hereditary risk I just didn’t know enough about prostate cancer until I was diagnosed, and by then it had already spread to my bones.  

“Being diagnosed at that stage was an awful experience and it’s terrible to think that so many other men in Yorkshire are in the same position. The treatments I’ve received have all been palliative. They can keep the cancer at bay, but it can’t now be cured. That’s why I’d urge anyone who’s not sure about their own risk to take Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker to find out more. It’s so quick, and it could save your life.

“My experience of prostate cancer has changed my outlook on life. I didn't realise before how many people valued me for who I am rather than what I do. I have never been under the illusion that I would live on earth forever but now time seems more precious than ever. As I treat life as a more precious thing, it seems to be more rewarding than I have ever known it to be.”

1 in 8 men will be affected with prostate cancer; the disease is curable if caught early, but early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so it is vital that men know their risk. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. 

Non-League Day kicks off as prostate cancer has become the most common cancer in the UK and supporters and clubs across the UK can get involved on the day, from hosting a matchday collection, walking to the game or wearing the iconic Man of Men badge. Football fans can also check their risk of prostate cancer on the Non-League Day website ahead of the day as well as finding a local fixture to attend.

This day continues a long-standing partnership between Prostate Cancer UK and Non-League Day, stretching back to 2014. 

From wig-wearing, branded armbands and a unique match ball inscribed by men affected by prostate cancer, to multiple match day collections, ‘Man of Men’ badge-wearing, branded clubhouses, crossbar challenges and epic walks to games, Non-League Day has always caught the imagination among the grassroots game for those wishing to support Prostate Cancer UK.

Ossett chairman Phil Smith said: “Every year we’ve got behind Non-League Day and this great cause and supported it in any way we can. This year when we discussed with the Prostate Cancer UK team, we thought we could go a little bit further.

“Danny has been a fan of the club for a while and we thought what more appropriate than to get him involved on this day alongside us, alongside the team and in the dugout. We’re looking forward to a special day.”

Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive, Laura Kerby, said: “We are excited to continue our long-term work with Non-League Day and are delighted that so many clubs are taking part again this year.

“For many years Danny has been a selfless supporter of the work of Prostate Cancer UK and so often shrugs off his own issues to help others. We’re so happy he’ll get to experience a special day.  

“We thank Ossett for playing their part, and this is the perfect example of the grassroots football community coming together to do something great. Our continued collaboration with them, and others, will not only put us at the heart of the action, but will be a gamechanger for those men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer.”

For more information on Non-League Day and to take Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker go to https://nonleagueday.co.uk/