Supporters of Rochdale Football Club are hosting a race night to help raise vital funds for a former fans' favourite’s cancer treatment.

Ernie Cooksey was recently diagnosed with the most deadly form of skin cancer and the Dale fans are rallying together to help raise funds for their hero’s cause.

The fans are hoping to raise up to £4,000 towards Cooksey’s appeal.

The 27 year old midfielder is suffering from malignant melanoma level four, which means the cancer has spread throughout his body. It is notoriously difficult to treat, and Cooksey may have to travel around the world to get the treatment he needs. This will understandably require a great deal of funds for both Ernie and his partner Louise, who are expecting their first child this Summer.

The Race Night will take place the Dale Bar at Spotland Stadium on Saturday 24 May, with doors opening at 7:30pm.

Tickets for the event will cost £5 and should be available from the Rochdale Supporters’ Trust desk at the forthcoming Shrewsbury home game on 3 May, from the Dale Bar and the Cemetery Hotel.

Cooksey made over a hundred appearances for Dale between September 2004 and January 2007 and was part of the side that narrowly missed out on the Play Offs in 2004-5. He proved himself to be an extremely popular player during his time with the club, with cries of “Ernie, Ernie, Ernie” accompanying his every touch.

During that time, he formed one of the leading central midfield partnerships in the division alongside Gary Jones. Indeed, the pair were given that tag by Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters after one superb performance together. They clicked pretty much straight away and Cooksey established himself as a Cult Hero at Spotland.

He was a dogged little midfielder for Dale, who was surprisingly useful in the air, and there was always the chance of it spilling over when he was on the pitch. His battle with  Shrewsbury’s Jamie Tolley was typical of the personal battles which accompanied his performances.

It was during his time with Dale that he first contracted Cancer. It was believed that he had battled his way through the disease, only for it to return earlier this year.

The Race Night will also host a raffle and an auction will be held to help raise further funds. If you would like to contribute an item to the raffle or auction, please contact the organisers at colcav@hotmail.com

There are other fundraising events taking place for Ernie, including a charity match at Boundary Park featuring an Oldham / Dale XI in which Grant Holt and Rickie Lambert will make a return in Rochdale colours. Further details about all of the events taking place are available at www.ErnieCooksey.com where donations can also be made.

Photo: Action Images

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