Hello, my name is Brad and I’ve been lucky enough to call Sam Gilbert my mate for over 30 years - a friendship that began on the football pitch and grew into something far deeper. We’ve shared countless moments over the decades: victories, defeats, laughter, and a bond that’s never wavered.

In April 2024, Sam was diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer. Since then, he’s endured 29 rounds of chemotherapy with the same strength, courage, and humility that have always defined him. He’s faced every challenge head-on, never complaining, just quietly getting on with it - exactly as anyone who knows Sam would expect.

Recently, Sam was told by his oncologist at St George’s in Tooting that his cancer is now at a stage where treatment is about management rather than cure. In October, he was hospitalised for a blocked bile duct, where five metal stents were fitted into his liver. Just 10 days later, he developed problems swallowing and speaking, and a number of X-Rays, MRI and CT scans revealed that the cancer had spread to his lower brain and neck.

True to form, Sam didn’t give up. He began radiotherapy in early November, determined to take every opportunity to spend more time with his children and loved ones - time that means more now than ever.

As his friends, we first thought about arranging a memorial match - but thankfully, we’ll be blessed with Sam and his family’s presence on the day. This event will not only be a celebration of his life and his incredible spirit but also a way to raise funds to support his children’s futures - something that means everything to him.

Sam is, without question, one of Burnham’s most decorated youth players - a natural leader and winner in the junior ranks and even briefly shone in the first team with a debut goal and some dazzling performances before heading off to University. But beyond the football, he’s been a role model, a true gent, and a man whose strength in adversity has inspired everyone around him.

I know Burnham, The Dengie, and all of Sam’s old friends and teammates will want to come together for this. Let’s fill the ground, raise lots of money, and show Sam and his family just how much love, respect, and gratitude we have for him.

Let’s give him the celebration he truly deserves - in the town he’s always held so close to his heart.

Venue: Burnham Ramblers Football Club

Date: 05/12/2025 Gates open at 1830pm, Kick Off 1930pm.

Up the Ramblers x

Brad Rogers