Bums on seats for cancer cause

PNE fan Ian Bamber and his team part in a sponsored bums on seats challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support, aiming to sit on every one of the 23,404 seats of Deepdale stadium between them

The team of 11 perched on all 23,404 chairs as part of their Bums on Seats challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The crazy task was thought up by Ian Bamber, as a way to show solidarity to his sister, Melanie Bamber, who has cervical cancer, as well as his mum, Ann, who has battled breast cancer and family friend Pam Rigby.

The challenge, which was part of Preston North End’s Community Day of Action, took seven-and-a-half hours, as most of the team successfully sat on all 23,404 seats.

Ian, 44, who grew up in Preston, said: “It was tough – we were all aching, but it was worth it.

“Not everyone managed to sit on all the seats, but a few of us, including myself, managed it. We sang and chanted to keep our morale going.

“We kept going all through the day. We didn’t stop for lunch – we just ate fruit and had drinks whilst on the move.

“I was so tired, but it felt brilliant. It was a good way to raise awareness as it has sparked a lot of interest.

“Melanie and Ann came to cheer us on towards the end of the challenge, which was nice. We have raised more than £3,500 so far, which is great. I want to say thank you to PNE who have been amazing in supporting us.”

To support Ian’s cause visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ianbamber73