2
FORMER Colchester United and Ipswich Town favourites will tee off today to raise money for a special cause.
They will take part in the ‘Golf Day for Dixie’ at Hintlesham Hall Golf Club in Suffolk, raising money for Dixie Lloyd-Gerken, daughter of former Colchester United and Ipswich Town goalkeeper Dean Gerken.
The event, sponsored by Rents, is taking place to raise funds for Dixie, who is now facing a second battle with cancer following a diagnosis of secondary lung cancer, having bravely overcome osteosarcoma.
READ MORE: Colchester United announce new date for League Two fixture
The event brings together the community, businesses and supporters to help pay for Dixie’s ongoing treatment and related costs.
Dean’s former team-mates Wayne Brown, Freddie Sears, Anthony Wordsworth, Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith, Cole Skuse, Lawrie Wilson and Luke Guttridge will play, while ex-Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy will speak and take part in a Q&A after dinner.
Former U’s player and manager Brown, who has helped organise the event, said: “You just want to try and do all you can to help.
“I just thought the Golf Day would be a good way to try and raise some money for Dixie.
Fundraiser - a special golf day will take place today in aid of Dean Gerken's daughter Dixie (Image: Richard Blaxall)
“There’s a lot of people that want to get behind it and try and do what they can to raise as much as we can.
“We’ve got loads of good auction and raffle prizes that have been donated and football memorabilia – people have been so generous with their contributions and so many people want to help.
“There’s a GoFundMe page where people can donate to the family to try and get the right treatment Dixie needs for this rare cancer."
READ MORE: Competition brewing as Colchester players push for Newport chance
Prizes include signed Ipswich Town and Aston Villa shirts and hospitality tickets to watch both clubs, tickets to watch England v Croatia on November 12 and a shirt and gloves signed by Nick Pope.
The Golf Day will feature 26 teams of four, a shotgun start, a Stableford competition, nearest-the-pin and longest-drive contests, a Beat the Pro challenge, an evening meal, a charity raffle and an auction.
Donations to support Dixie and her family can be made through the official GoFundMe campaign.
Every donation, large or small, will help.
Donate at www.gofundme.com by searching for ‘Dixie’s fight’.