DT38 NEWSLETTER “CHANNEL38” – EPISODE 40
Welcome to the DT38 Foundation April 2021 newsletter, Channel38.
This is where we bring together all the very latest developments, events and support stories at DT38.
It’s also a chance for us to share important information about the work we do to raise awareness of testicular cancer around schools and in communities as well as publicly offering our thanks to the many people who support us in our endeavours.
Dylan Tombides – Seven years gone, never forgotten
April 18th marked the seventh anniversary of the passing of brilliant young man Dylan Tombides, who inspired the creation of DT38.
Dylan was a professional footballer who played for West Ham United and Australia – he was tipped for a life at the very top of the game.
But tragically, Dylan passed away following a brave battle with testicular cancer, on April 18th, 2014, at the age of 20.
He should have been offered an ultrasound scan early in his treatment, but he was heartbreakingly misdiagnosed.
Dylan was a wonderful and talented young man and he continues to inspire us to help save other men and boys’ lives in his name by raising awareness of the disease.
Rest in peace Didge.
DT38 Australia Awareness Round at Perth Glory FC
We were very proud to have the opportunity to promote DT38 and raise awareness of testicular cancer at the Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix A-League fixture on April 18th, the seventh anniversary of the passing of Dylan Tombides.
In an action packed day around the match, the DT38 team handed out Didge books to kids (a children’s book inspired by Dylan’s story) before the game and at half time DT38 soft balls were thrown into the crowd.
On the 38th minute there was a moving applause as a tribute to Dylan as his image projected onto the big screen at HBF Park.
Our Media and Communications Manager Donna Giuffre spoke passionately to guests about Dylan and the work of DT38 at the Glory Chairman Tony Sage’s pre-match function.
She was escorted by Dylan’s father Jim and Uncle John Bondi.
Huge thanks to everyone at Perth Glory for honouring Dylan and for your support on the day and your ongoing commitment to helping us raise awareness about the risks of testicular cancer.
DT38 UK Awareness Day at West Ham United
April 24th marked the seventh annual DT38 Awareness Day at West Ham United.
We were very proud to have the support of West Ham United around their home Premier League match with Chelsea FC.
The event involved several exciting activities.
A few days before the big match our Co-Founders Tracy and Taylor Tombides talked with Hammers star Michail Antonio who on arrival to the East London club learned about Dylan and our charity and shared this own testicular cancer scare as a young man.
Watch the interview here: https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/april/21-april/michail-antonio-supports-dt38-foundation
We also featured in the match day magazine, where we shared information about our Check 1-Two campaign which encourages men and boys to check themselves for signs of testicular cancer on the first day of each month.
The article also launched a special raffle where entrants can win a private Zoom call with a West Ham United first team player. All proceeds from the raffle will support DT38 in our work.
Tickets are just £2 each, and you can buy as many as you like here: https://dt38foundation.myshopify.com/collections/event-tickets/products/private-zoom-call-with-west-ham-united-star-raffle-ticket
You will also be rewarded with raffle tickets when you make a purchase of a DT38 branded product at the West Ham United store here (minimum spend £10): https://www.officialwesthamstore.com/listing.php?criteria=dt38
Read the full match day magazine article here https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/april/24-april/dt38-foundation-launches-fundraising-raffle-hold-zoom-call-west
On the Thursday before the crucial Hammers game the first team squad took part in a photo opportunity wearing DT38 classic t-shirts at their training session and each garment was signed by a player.
All shirts and a cap signed by Michail Antonio are being auctioned to raise funds for DT38 (auction ends May 1st at 5pm BST).
You can visit the auction room and make a bid here https://www.officialwesthamstore.com/auction/signedshirts/signed-shirts/
Huge thanks to West Ham United for their support with this event
Donovan Jones Takes on 100km Challenge for DT38
We’re super proud of DT38 supporter Donovan Jones who is taking on the London 2 Brighton 100km Ultra Challenge on 29th May.
Yes, you did read that right, Donovan is planning to RUN the equivalent of 100,000 metres in an enduring challenge which he’s been training hard for since January.
In his own words: “I have been involved with DT38 since 2015 putting my graphic design skills to work when they are required.
“In 2015 you wouldn’t even have caught me wearing a pair of running shoes, let alone entering any form of running event. I have since however been bitten by the running bug and have found myself wanting to push myself even harder than ever before.
“With this being my first attempt at a continuous 100km race, I thought what better opportunity to raise some money for a good cause and help DT38 spread their extremely important message.
“So please join me by donating towards a great cause which has inspired me to take on this immense challenge!”
If you would like to sponsor Donovan you can do so here https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DonovanJones
A Vital Message from DT38 Ambassdor Pasquale Maresca
We were delighted to share this important video message from DT38 Ambassador Pasquale Maresca on April 1st to help remind men to check their balls as part of our Check 1-Two campaign.
Great work Pasquale, thank you!
Joe, Taylor & Tom Compete in 10k Challenge!
A fundraising battle has begun between three amazing men who are supporting DT38 (and competing like crazy) in the Asics London 10k on 25th July, 2021.
DT38 co-founder Taylor Tombides, Trustee Joe Sealey and Dylan’s former Australian teammate Tom King are all frantically raising funds while training for the big run this summer.
Not only does each of the terrific trio want to cross the line first, they also want the bragging rights of claiming the top fundraiser title!
At the moment Joe is in the lead but there’s still plenty of time for Taylor and Tom to catch up!
Who will you support?
Sponsor Taylor https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/taylor-tombides
Sponsor Joe https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joe-sealey
Sponsor Tom https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-king-dt38 -king-dt38
Support these men as they take on a memorable run around the capital and fundraise in support of our mission to raise awareness of testicular cancer, the most common type of cancer among young men in the world.
Future DT38 Fundraising Events in the UK – 2021
Following the UK Government’s announcement of a ‘roadmap’ out of Lockdown we are delighted to say we’re now planning for three important fundraising events this year.
Obviously each of these events are subject to Government policy allowing them at the time but we are expecting to run the following this year:-
August – DT38 Charity Golf Day at Langdon Hills Golf Club
October – DT38 Charity Poker Tournament at Crown London, Mayfair.
November – White Collar Boxing with Peacock Gym at York Hall aka. ‘Awareness Below the Belt 3.0’.
Watch this space for more details!
If you’re interested in getting involved with or supporting these events please contact tracylee@dt38.org
Many Happy Returns
A super seven birthdays were celebrated around the DT38 crew in April.
On April 1st DT38 Director, and Dylan’s auntie, Karen Bondi celebrated her birthday and on April 7th Anderlecht midfielder and DT38 Ambassador Josh Cullen was 25.
In a busy week of celebrations, Avondale FC player Liam Boland was 29, the next day aspiring journalist Rhys Ryan was a year older as was Brandon O’Neill who turned 27 and on April 13th Luton Town defender Dan Potts also celebrated his 27thbirthday – all are DT38 Ambassadors.
Fellow DT38 Ambassador and former Perth Glory footballer Jacob Burns was 43 on April 21st.
Many Happy Returns one and all!
Picture of the Month
We are sent so many fabulous pictures every month of people showing fantastic support for DT38 in many ways.
And April has been a bumper month, with two major awareness events in the UK and down under. It’s been almost impossible to single one out, but we have to do what we have to do! We’ve chosen our “Picture of the Month” just for fun.
This month saw DT38 Awareness Day at West Ham United, of which we’re Official Charity Partner, and we’ve chosen this wonderful snap of Hammers midfielders Manuel Lanzini and Said Benrahma at training in their DT38 classic tees!
Containers For Change Down Under
We are thrilled to be a nominated charity to benefit from the Containers For Change recycling initiative in Western Australia.
There are three simple steps to help the environment and our charity through this initiative.
1. Collect eligible containers
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible.
2.Take them to a refund point
There are different types of refund points across Western Australia, so find the right one for you.
3. Earn a refund or donate
You’ll receive 10 cents for every eligible container you return which you can keep or DONATE.
It really is that simple to build up your recycling and help DT38 and the planet at the same time!
For more information pay them a virtual visit https://www.containersforchange.com.au/wa/
Our Work to Get Through Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Like many other charities DT38 relies entirely upon donations and fundraising events to carry out our work of protecting men and boys by raising awareness of the risks of testicular cancer.
Because of this terrible Covid-19 crisis, which is tragically taking the lives of loved ones and affecting the lives and livelihoods of so many people, we have experienced the cancellation of ALL fundraising events across 2020 and until at least Summer 2021.
This has left us in a difficult position financially.
As a response we launched the 3.80 Funding Appeal last year.
For almost six years we have continued to support men and boys in the UK, Australia and elsewhere through educating them to protect themselves by checking for testicular cancer on the first of every month.
It is more important than ever, during the Coronavirus outbreak, that males take notice of our campaign because our health services are so drastically stretched because of this terrible virus.
Whilst we continue to work tirelessly to share this message to as many people as possible, as a charity we are entirely reliant upon fundraising and donations and we have sadly experienced a dramatic fall in income dramatically because of the pandemic.
We have been forced to cancel several exciting fundraising events including Golf Days in the UK and Australia, our annual white collar boxing and poker events, a quiz night and several race events and, understandably, many people have turned their attentions elsewhere during this very difficult time.
We fully appreciate the future is uncertain for many people right now, as it is for DT38 and we are looking for support so that we can continue to help save men and boys lives.
We rely upon income to continue to share information about the risks of testicular cancer, the most common type of cancer among young men.
Through the 3.80 Funding Appeal, we are asking if you can help DT38 and men and boys everywhere by making a donation of £3.80 (UK) or $3.80 (AUS) in support of our work this year. We would also be very grateful for donations from anywhere else in the world.
DT38 has continued to thrive for almost six years because of the wonderfully generous and kind-hearted support of so many people and we are extremely grateful to each and everyone of you.
You can donate now here:
UK & Rest of World: https://virginmoneygiving.com/fund/dt38fundingappeal
Australia https://dt38.giveeasy.org/380-funding-appeal
Help keep men & boys safe & win a pack of DT38 goodies!
This is your chance to snaffle a box of fantastic DT38 merchandise and help raise awareness of the risks of testicular cancer at the same time.
For a chance of winning a pack of goodies including a DT38 book, tee-shirt & hoodie, all you need to do is send us a video of you/friends/family spreading the message “Check Yourselves Down Under on the 1st of Every Month with DT38” and if we share yours on the 1st of the month on our social media channels, you’ll win the prize!
What are you waiting for? Time to get creative and send us in your videos via facebook, Twitter or to tracylee@dt38.org
Support DT38 at our Online Shop
Of course the Coronavirus has had a significant impact upon everyone.
A large part of DT38’s fundraising comes from events we run throughout the year, as well as from individuals, companies and organisations who undertake fundraising initiatives to support our campaign to raise awareness of testicular cancer.
But we, like many others, have sadly been affected by the postponement of cancellation of many events and fundraising opportunities across 2020 and until at least Summer 2021.
The funds we receive are vital to support our ongoing work to help save the lives of men and boys through education and self-checking campaigns.
If you would like to continue supporting DT38 we do still accept direct donations via our website, you can donate towards our 3.80 Funding Appeal or you could make a purchase through our online store here: https://dt38foundation.myshopify.com
Thank you so much for any support you can give.
Sharing the Love
We are so grateful to more than 35,000 people who follow and support us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Every month we receive so many shares, Retweets, likes and tags and we’re so grateful for each and every one of them, thank you.
And that brings to end this edition but we’ll be back with the next edition of Channel38 in May.
If you have helped DT38 in some way in recent times, please be sure to let us know so we can include it in one of our future newsletters. Contact tracylee@dt38.org or connect with us on Twitter Facebook or Instagram