Doncaster dad raises over £170,000 in 26-year fundraising tribute to beloved wife

When Acker Shaw’s wife Brenda passed away in 2000 from breast cancer, he pledged to raise £52,000: £1,000 for every year of Brenda’s life.

Brenda had spent five years going through treatment at Weston Park Cancer Centre, and Acker wanted to raise money to thank the hospital for the ‘exceptional care’ it provided.

After reaching his original target in 2018, Acker decided to continue raising funds to help the one in two people in our region who will receive a cancer diagnosis.

Over the past 26 years, he’s collected donations at thousands of football fixtures and raised more than £170,000 for our charity.

In 2022, he was named as a Weston Park Cancer Charity patron, in recognition of his tireless commitment to our cause.

A record year of fundraising

Known for his signature pirate hat, on matchdays Acker can be found with his trusty collection bucket in hand come rain or shine.

This year, he recorded his highest annual fundraising total – with £20k collected at 140 sporting events.

The money Acker has raised will help us to provide practical, emotional, and financial support to local people facing cancer. It will also enable us to invest in ground-breaking research and treatment enhancements for Weston Park Cancer Centre.

Acker’s remarkable achievement was celebrated at the 2026 Weston Park Cancer Charity Race Evening, where he was presented with his latest fundraising cheque.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Acker has big plans for the future and has announced his intentions to raise a quarter of a million pounds for Weston Park Cancer Charity!

Acker said:

“When I first set out on my fundraising mission, I wasn’t sure if I’d reach my £52,000 goal. So, to have raised over £170,000 for Weston Park Cancer Charity feels absolutely amazing.

“I’ve met wonderful people on this journey, and I want to thank every single person who’s donated and all of the football clubs that have supported me.

“Everything I do is in tribute to Brenda, who I miss dearly. If I can make life easier for just one person going through treatment, then I’ll be happy.”

Hannah Watson, Hospital Partnerships and Community Fundraising Officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

“For 26 years, our amazing patron Acker has put his heart and soul into helping others affected by cancer.

“He really is a force for good, and his act of love has made a huge difference to thousands of people across our region.

“We’d like to express our deepest thanks to Acker for his years of dedication. We’re also very grateful to all of the clubs who have welcomed Acker and supported his fundraising efforts.”

If you’d like to raise vital funds to help people living with and beyond cancer, head to: westonpark.org.uk/register-fundraising