Story added: 18th December 2017
Generous Norwich City fan loses fight against cancer
An ex–Royal Navy technician, who sadly lost his fight with cancer earlier this year, generously made it one of his last wishes to organise a charity football match in aid of the Community Sports Foundation (CSF) and cancer charity, The Big C.
Thirty-eight year old Steven ‘Stal’ Taylor, from Norfolk, lost his fight with bowel cancer just nine weeks after being diagnosed.
An avid Canary fan, he wanted to raise money to support the Foundation’s Kick Cancer programme, which was launched earlier this year to support those living with or recovering from cancer.
The game took place at HMS Sultan in Portsmouth, where he was stationed, and raised over £600 for the programme.
“Steven was so proud with the efforts his family, friends and colleagues went to in helping to organise the match,” explained his sister, Sharon Taylor. “He was also delighted that Norwich City donated shirts for the home team, made up of Steven’s friends.”
Mr Taylor joined the navy at 17 and was completing his petty officer training after repairing helicopters for more than 20 years.
His only passion outside of the military was his local side; he travelled every weekend he had free to watch the Canaries play and was a keen member of supporter group Forces2Canaries.
Sharon added: “His enthusiasm will be deeply missed by us all but his benevolence should serve as a reminder to everyone that they can make a difference in their community, no matter what their personal circumstances are.”
“On behalf of my family, I’d like to thank Norwich City for everything. They have been a great support – a real family club.”
Earlier this season, the Foundation invited Mr Taylor’s family and friends to Carrow Park, along with representatives from Forces2Canaries, to present a cheque of the money raised from the charity match.
CSF Fundraising and Events Manager Emma Fletcher said:
“We were extremely saddened to learn of Steven’s death and our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his loved ones.
“Steven’s determination to help others at such a difficult time has been nothing short of incredible. His positivity has inspired so many people and the money raised will make a huge difference to the local community and those in need on our Kick Cancer programme.”
Kick Cancer is a free 10-week activity based programme that helps individuals who are living with or recovering from cancer to enjoy the benefits of physical activity at Norwich City Football Club.
The programme includes a one-hour physical activity session followed by a social hour with group discussions, guest appearances and excursions.
For further details, please click here or contact [email protected].