We Can Kick It Walk

On World Cancer Day, Adrian Conoboy MBE, the founder of We Can Kick It (a charity that uses football to empower children affected by cancer), will undertake an extraordinary challenge: walking 40 miles across London in under 24 hours to visit seven iconic football stadiums. Joined by two friends and a group of young cancer survivors, Adrian aims to raise £10,000 to launch the charity’s first UK football programme.

On Tuesday, 4 February, Adrian—a football coach and cancer survivor himself—will trade his football boots for walking shoes to embark on this monumental journey. Starting at Selhurst Park at 6am, the route will include stops at the home stadiums of Crystal Palace, West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, and Brentford. Along the way, Adrian, Will and Paul will be joined by inspiring young cancer survivors who embody the charity’s mission.

Among them is Ravi Adelekan, who was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour at just six years old. Despite ongoing challenges, Ravi lives life to the fullest. Since founding Ravi’s Dream, he has achieved remarkable milestones, including performing on Britain’s Got Talent and winning the Pride of Britain Child of Courage Award.

The walk aims to raise £10,000 to fund free football workshops for children in the UK who are affected by cancer.

About We Can Kick It
Founded in 2018 by Londoner Adrian Conoboy whilst he was living in the USA, We Can Kick It draws on Adrian’s personal experience with brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2016. Football played a pivotal role in his mental and physical recovery, inspiring him to support young people fighting cancer. Over four years, the charity has delivered football clinics, courses, and camps in the USA, earning Adrian an MBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to children with cancer. In 2024, We Can Kick It gained UK charity status, and this walk marks the start of its efforts to bring free football programmes to children this side of the Pond.

As Adrian explains: 
“This walk combines two things we’re passionate about at We Can Kick It—football and making a difference. We know it’ll be a tough day, but every step we take will help fund football programmes for children affected by cancer. We’re calling on football fans, Londoners, and everyone who believes in our cause to support us by donating or cheering us on.”

Paul O’Callaghan, a Trustee of We Can Kick It (UK), who will be joining Adrian for the challenge, adds: 
“As someone who has watched the incredible impact Adrian and We Can Kick It have had on children in the USA, I’m thrilled to help bring this programme to the UK (arguably the home of football!). By combining the beautiful game with a beautiful mission, we can help change the lives of children who’ve faced so much already.”

Supporters can follow the journey on the day via live updates from the charity’s Instagram page (@WeCanKickIt). Donations can be made through the fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/page/wckiukwalk.