We want to make you aware of a local fundraising event that will be supporting one of our local football families.

Vanessa Kendall and her family are a big part of Norristhorpe FC with both of her sons playing for the club – Devon in our U14s and Jacob in the U16s. Her husband, Paul, is also one of the coaches and has been heavily involved supporting both of his sons’ teams over the years.

Sadly, Vanessa was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in July 2025. The cancer was diagnosed at Stage 4 and is currently non-curative.

Vanessa received treatment through the NHS from August to December 2025, however unfortunately this treatment has now stopped being effective. Her family are now trying to secure further life-extending treatment privately and are also exploring treatment options overseas that are not currently available in the UK.

To support Vanessa and her family, the club will be holding a sponsored charity walk on Saturday 25th April. The plan is to walk from Elland Road to the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield (around 12.6 miles), finishing by attending the Huddersfield Town match that day.

For younger age groups and families, there will likely be the option to join part of the route starting from Warrenside (around 2 miles) so that everyone can take part. Children in U11s and below will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Funds raised will be split between helping Vanessa access further treatment and supporting the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

This is a chance for the whole club community to come together and support a family who have given so much to Norristhorpe over the years. We would love as many players, parents, siblings and supporters as possible to get involved – whether that’s walking, helping organise, or sponsoring those taking part.

Let’s get behind this as a club and show our support.