Inspirational teenager Edward Simpson will attend our game with Derby on Saturday as he kicks his way towards raising £100K for Brain Tumour Research.
Three years ago, Ed – who is now 14 - was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
He subsequently went through multiple operations, high-dose radiotherapy and months of chemotherapy.
Throughout that time, football was a major factor in Edward’s rehabilitation with his love of the sport helping him get through long hospital stays.
It also became an important conversation point for him with doctors, nurses, friends and family members – allowing him to stay connected to the outside world.
In a bid to help others, Edward launched his '100 strikes at cancer' campaign on the day of his last operation in August 2021.
Edward’s plan is to take a penalty kick at 100 different locations across the country in the hope of raising £100K for Brain Tumour Research.
His penalty on Saturday will see him try to beat under-18s goalkeeper Frankie Beckles at half-time.
It will be the teenager's 72nd spot-kick so far with Edward having already raised an incredible £75,000.
Ahead of his visit to the Croud Meadow, Edward said:
“Hello, my name is Edward and I will be joining you on Saturday as I work my way through ‘100 strikes at cancer’.
“I launched ‘100 strikes’ following my treatment for a brain cancer. It shocked me to learn that, despite being the number one cancer killer of children and adults under 40, brain tumour research is drastically underfunded when compared to all other cancer types.
“Because of that I have made it my mission to try and do something to help.
“Football has always been my passion and getting back on the pitch was my motivator throughout treatment and rehabilitation.
“Football was also my escape whilst in hospital. When talking football, I didn’t have to think about the sickness, hair loss, operations, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, infections, loneliness, the fear or the pain.
“Football helped keep me going and it helped give me strength. Football helped me fight cancer and is thus the focus for my campaign.
“100 strikes involves taking 100 penalties at different locations, from local places of interest to the FA cup final at Wembley.
“Shrewsbury Town FC has very kindly given me the opportunity to take one of my ‘100 strikes’ during half-time of the Derby game which will be my 72nd strike!
“Please give me a wave and a cheer. I am pretty nervous - but I will do this!”
Everyone at Shrewsbury Town is looking forward to welcoming Edward, his mum Anne, dad Richard and sister Emmy to the Croud Meadow on Saturday.
Before, during and after the game there will be a bucket collection to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support.
You can also read more about Edward’s story and support his campaign at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100edwardsimpson
Alternatively text STRIKE to 70085 and the money will go direct to Brain Tumour Research (texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message).
You can follow Edward on his journey online by visiting www.100strikesatcancer.org
You can also follow his Twitter page HERE and his Instagram page HERE. 
