

West Ham United’s principal sponsor Betway will donate its front of shirt sponsorship to The DT38 Foundation during the upcoming pre-season clash with Manchester City on Friday 4 August.

The leading online bookmaker is working in conjunction with DT38 and the Club in a bid to raise awareness of men’s health issues, with a particular focus on testicular cancer.

Shirts from the pre-season friendly, which takes place in Iceland on 4 August, will then be signed by the players and auctioned off by DT38 after the game to raise valuable funds for the foundation.

The DT38 Foundation was launched in 2015 in memory of West Ham Academy starlet Dylan Tombides, who lost his three-year battle with testicular cancer in April 2014, at the age of 20.

Karren Brady, Vice-Chairman of West Ham United, said: “It's fantastic that our exceptional principal sponsors Betway care about all aspects of the Club and its supporters, and we are very grateful to them for choosing to replace their sponsorship with DT38 for the game against Manchester City in Iceland. We really hope it can raise awareness of a wonderful person and a truly worthy cause.

“A hugely popular figure among his teammates, coaches, backroom staff, supporters and opponents alike, Dylan was loved and respected throughout the football community, and is hugely missed by all at West Ham United.

“The way he battled his disease was truly inspirational, as is his wonderful family’s courage in the face of such adversity. The valuable work they are doing in Dylan’s name is absolutely incredible and a fitting way to ensure Dylan’s legacy continues to inspire others every day.”

Anthony Werkman, Betway’s Director of Marketing and Operations, said: “The DT38 Foundation is a charity close to the hearts of everybody involved with West Ham United and it is a great honour to be able to help such a worthy cause raise not only valuable funds but also awareness.

“It’s important to support the incredible work the foundation is doing to raise awareness of such important health issues and we’re absolutely thrilled to donate our front shirt sponsorship for the game against Manchester City.”

Tracy Tombides, mother of Dylan, added: “It's a proud day for the DT38 family. Thank you to Betway and West Ham United for supporting our mission to raise awareness and change the stigma associated with men's health issues with a focus on testicular cancer.

“Having the team wear DT38 on their strips will allow the DT38 message to spread to a whole new audience and to help ensure men all over the world know the importance of conducting regular self- examinations of their testicles and seeking ultrasound advice should they find any abnormalities.”

For further information about The DT38 Foundation visit www.dt38.org