Simon Shakeshaft
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Simon "Shakey" Shakeshaft (born Simon Andrew Shakeshaft on 25th February 1965 in South Wales, United Kingdom) is a former physiotherapist, working for 15 years in the Football League for Hereford United, Exeter City and Shrewsbury Town as well as the English FA, the Football Association.
After being diagnosed for the second time on the 1st May 2002 with Testicular cancer, the first time 14 years previously, he became a campaigner for awareness raising of the disease, particularly in the male dominated world of professional football in England. What makes his efforts remarkable is that they were started only weeks after testicular surgery, and during extensive chemotherapy through 2002. His efforts continued during 2003, on behalf of the "Keep Your Eye On The Ball" awareness campaign in football and the Everyman Campaign but had to undergo more treatment for testicular cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. His awareness and fundraising work continued tirelessly throughout his illness and subsequent recouperation.
At the end of 2005 he undertook a "Ground Hop Challenge" attempting to visit all the professional football clubs in the top five leagues of the English game, as well as Cardiff's Millenium Stadium, The Dragons Lair, home to Sky One's Dream Team, imaginary Premiership side, Harchester United and finishing at the new home of Arsenal FC, the Emirates Stadium. A grand total of 119 grounds in 12 months.
During 2006 he joined forces with other testicular cancer survivors, including Philly Morris and the established checkemlads.com[1]awareness web site, hoping to register the site as a charity, continuing and expanding the awareness drive to other sports, the media/television and the music industry.
Married to Tracey with one daughter Georgia, he now lives in Hertfordshire England and is currently a television actor.
