CAST member Jean Huelin reports on a collection at The Valley on Saturday:

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month - an internationally recognised month when the whole childhood cancer community comes together to show their support for the children, young people & their families that have been affected by this devastating disease.

In recent years, two of our own young people have been mourned by Addicks after being highlighted on Charlton Life and  other social media channels and their loss felt profoundly following their brave battles against cancer. Of course, we recognise that additional families supporting our club will have been similarly affected and our hearts go out to all concerned.

In 2018, four year old Jack Jeffreys lost his life to neuroblastoma - a truly heartbreaking story followed by many and The Jack Jeffreys Superhero Trust was set up by his family to raise funds to help support children with cancer and other life-threatening/limiting conditions and their families in various ways. "Jack's VIP Experience" was set up with the club's co-operation to offer hospitality in an Executive Box at several home matches each season for young children and their families to enjoy a day at The Valley. Their Facebook page shows how varied fund raising activities are held in Jack's name and I'm sure the family won't mind me mentioning a very special event to be held on Sunday, October 1st at Bromley FC......a Celebrity Charity Football Match with a host of well known names due to participate ! Jack Jeffreys Superhero Trust is the FB page you need to view for more details. Please support if you can - I'm sure it will be a great day.

" Our" Ben Jay was just 17 years old and will be long remembered by Addicks for his bravery and determination to win his battle against a rare form of liver cancer. Huge numbers supported our efforts to enable the family to make memories they would cherish forever. A bumper amount of Christmas cards and gifts were sent to Ben at his favourite time of year. Tracey Leaburn arranged matchday hospitality for the family and Ben's friends. Visits to Sparrows Lane  to meet players and the management team and an overnight stay at Port Lympne with his parents, Garry & Sharon. Oh, and one further mention ....Ben leading out our team at The Valley, as proud as punch with the biggest smile ever regardless of the effort it must have taken - a never forgotten moment. And finally, watching Tracey & her boys walking across the top of the O2. Our players took Ben to their hearts..

So, now getting to the point...Saturday 's match v Wycombe Wanderers will honour Children with Cancer.

Young Lives Against Cancer (YLVS) has been allowed to make bucket collections outside The Valley in Ben's name. Garry & Sharon have been supported by this group and all monies collected with be added to Ben Jay's Butterfly Page to which any donations can be made. Garry & Sharon will likely be outside the Club Shop and two of Ben's close friends will be close to the Crossbars/Curbs' Stand entrance. Please say hello to these guys, all Addicks themselves, and introduce yourself which I know they will appreciate. There will also be a mention in the matchday programme and likely to be something on the big screen too.

It goes without saying that you will give generously to this appeal but I needed to give you a heads up to ensure you bring some CASH  to throw into those empty buckets ! How often of late have you been asked in the street to contribute something to a good cause ...and then realise  your card won't cut the mustard !!! So, empty those piggy banks (including the kids'  ) dust off that wheelbarrow from the shed, search down the back of the sofa and come weighed down with coins for this, OUR  special cause.

THERE WILL BE A COLLECTION BUCKET AT THE CAST STALL (behind the Covered End) FROM 2pm