Former Wales footballer raises over £13,000 for Upper GI Unit at Wrexham Maelor

Former Manchester United football player, Mickey Thomas, says although he’s still sore following his charity walk up Snowdon, he’s absolutely ecstatic that almost £12,500 has already been raised for the Upper GI Unit at Wrexham Maelor.

The 67-year-old reunited with his surgeon, Dr Andrew Baker, from Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Saturday, accompanied by around 30 of his friends, hospital staff and supporters.

The much-loved former player was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2019, his symptoms included having difficulty swallowing and he had lost weight.

He wanted to do something for the NHS team that saved his life, and came up with the idea of a walk for life.

Mickey said although he struggled a little on Saturday, he had a memorable day and one that he will always treasure.

Mickey said: “I couldn’t keep up with Dr Baker as he zoomed up Snowdon incredibly quickly, and I had to take my time.

“But it was the most incredible day, the support I had from people we met on the day just made my day.”

He continued: “There was a lady walking up with her son and she was really struggling to continue, and she was in tears.

“I went over to speak to her, to try to spur her on and it turned out she was a massive Stoke City football fan and knew who I was as I used to play for them, and was really pleased to see me and she managed to summit in the end!”

He added: “I’d like to thanks my team for their support, for the North Wales NHS Charity Awyr Las for their support in arranging the walk and to all the people who have donated.

“Thanks also to MUTV for filming the walk too, as it was tough for them to carry all their film equipment going up Snowdon.

“Already well over £12,500 has been donated which is just incredible, it will all go to the Upper GI Unit at Wrexham Maelor, they are an incredible team and I will continue to try and support them.”

All the money will go to improve the surgical equipment available at Wrexham Maelor. The money raised will help them get a step closer to achieving their goal of delivering better care and treatments for patients like Mickey.

To donate to Mickey Thomas's Charity walk please click here.