In 2018, I was diagnosed with cancer, and I owe my life to Spurs manager and Charlton legend Mauricio Pochettino.

Keith Smith, a supporter of Southend United, attributes his hope for survival to PROSTATE CANCER UK advocate Chris Powell.

In 2018, the GP gave the Shrimpers supporter a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Lucky for Smith, it was caught early.

The football fan had heard Powell, the manager of Southend at the time, speak highly of the well-known organization.

Therefore, Smith followed the advice of the current Tottenham coach and made an appointment with his doctor.

A small tumor was discovered on his kidney in addition to the prostate cancer.

Keith feels an emotional connection to the Charlton great Powell, so he keeps in touch with him.

They recently saw each other again at Hotspur Way for a Spurs U21 game against Brighton.

Having “felt this kindred spirit with Chris” since his own cancer diagnosis in 2018, Keith said as much to the Tottenham Hotspur website.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that if it weren’t for Chris, I wouldn’t be here right now. I owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid; he’s a great guy, which goes without saying, and it’s great to see him again.

To be here with him at the Training Centre today is a real honor, as I have followed his career and seen him on the England bench as well as here at Spurs. All of the amenities here are top-notch, incredible, and completely otherworldly.

I had no idea that things could be so different when rooting for a team in a lower division. Everything is brand new and clean, the fans are friendly, the staff is helpful, and the atmosphere is electric.

Now I want to spread the same message Chris did to me: that raising public awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging people to get checked is crucial.

A blood test won’t kill you, but prostate cancer will, so I always tell people that as my motto. Get checked for prostate cancer if there has been a history of the disease in your family; together, we can win the fight against it.

These days, Keith is as much of a Prostate Cancer UK ambassador as Powell is.

Plus, they back the “Prostate FC” movement, which is trying to educate people about the disease, raise money for research, and ultimately save lives in every football club in the United Kingdom.

The fact that I got to know someone who was going through prostate cancer and who heard my message and is a survivor means so much to me,” Powell said. I forget how monumental it is to have saved someone’s life sometimes.

Keith’s survival from prostate cancer is in no small part due to my efforts and involvement with Prostate Cancer UK. I’m glad we’re still in touch; he’s a big football fan who cheers for Southend, but I think I may have converted him to the Spurs.

He and his wife came to an Under-21 game I hosted and were blown away by the club’s facilities, especially the Training Centre, and by the friendliness of its members. Since we’re both such prominent advocates for the cause now, I just wanted to hang out with him.

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My advice to any Spurs fan is to learn as much as possible about prostate cancer, including the risk factors of age, race, and family history.

Prostate Cancer UK’s website has a wealth of resources, including a brilliant 30-second risk checker that could save your life, and is a great resource for fans.

Tell your significant other, your uncle, your brother, or even your doctor if you’re worried. Every year for my birthday, as a present to myself, I schedule a checkup with a doctor.