Former patient named Premier League Community Captain
One of our patients has been awarded Chelsea Football Club’s prestigious annual Premier League Community Captain award in recognition of his commitment to the work of Chelsea Football Club Foundation.
Brian’s story
Brian Geraty was diagnosed with renal cancer in 2021. He was treated at Charing Cross Hospital and had a kidney removal operation. Last summer, Brian joined the Chelsea Foundation Cancer Rehabilitation programme after being referred from the Macmillan service at Charing Cross Hospital. This programme is part of the Bridging the Blues initiative – a partnership between Chelsea Football Club Foundation (CFCF), Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial Health Charity which aims to help people in north west London lead healthier lifestyles.
With 12 weeks of hard work and dedication, Brian completed the programme and has progressed to being a regular attendee at the Chelsea Foundation’s Exercise & Mobility and Adapted Sports sessions.
The award
The Community Captain accolade is being given to members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to their football club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations this year. Brian was recognised due to his incredible attitude, support to other participants on these programmes, and his commitment to the overall work of Chelsea Foundation – he is always the first to sign up to Foundation events through our Trust partnership, such as a World Heart Day event at Stamford Bridge in October 2024, where he learnt important CPR skills.
Brian was surprised with the news by Chelsea legend Carlo Cudicini in Chelsea Sports Centre. Upon receiving his award Brian said: “It’s amazing that this much effort has been put into something for me. It’s a really nice surprise.
“My mental strength has surprised me. I’ve always loved sport, and it gives me motivation. I’ve got to show people that you can keep going and be happy. People say I am an inspiration, I’m not so sure if I am but I’ll keep battling cancer. I don’t think that anyone should just lie down and let it beat you.
“I always look forward to seeing the Chelsea Foundation staff and participants. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone and have a chat. Once you take your first step, it’s a pathway to something else. I found this out first-hand having moved on to walking football. Thank you, Chelsea Foundation, for all you do!”
Bridging the Blues
Bridging the Blues is a series of healthy lifestyle programmes which cover long-term health conditions including minor-stroke, cardiac, respiratory, and cancer. The cancer rehabilitation initiative – which Brian was a part of – began in March 2024 and is funded by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association through the PLPFA Community Fund. It entails 12-weeks of circuit-based exercise sessions specifically for patients with a cancer diagnosis. Sessions are led by the Foundation’s exercise specialists who are trained in cancer rehabilitation and can help the patients build up confidence exercising independently.
