Rochdale's Peter Vincenti has become first recipient of the Sky Bet Football League's Unsung Hero of the Month award
Friday 2 October 2015 07:16, UK
Rochdale's Peter Vincenti has become first recipient of the Sky Bet Football League's Unsung Hero of the Month award.
The midfielder was playing for Aldershot when he was asked for a signed shirt and ball from Julie and Neil Bradford whose son Ben Edkins was just 25 when he died after contracting an aggressive form of muscle cancer.
Vincenti obliged, and set in motion a train of communication that led to him becoming a Patron of Edgar's Gift, the charity set up in Ben's memory which provides unique experiences or gifts to young adults aged 18-30 who are suffering from cancer.
He said: "They do all sorts for young adults suffering from cancer. Special days out, luxury gifts for those who are going through it.
"They raise money where they can. They did a cycle to all 92 Premier and Football League grounds in the country a couple of years ago.
"They are the ones who do so much. It wasn't any bother for me to send them a signed shirt when I was at Aldershot, but then we got in touch with each other and it went from there.
"I sent them some more signed shirts, then a few Rochdale shirts when I moved here. And whenever we've played against bigger teams in pre-season or cup games I'll always try and get opposition shirts. The kit man here, Jack Northover, gives me grief because I'm always asking him to get me signed shirts from the opposing kit man to send to them."
The 29-year-old also has a great relationship with the Dale fans and has won the praise of the club's Chief Executive Colin Garlick.
He added: "His charity work is typical of his character. He's quite giving to others and he makes time for people.
"He's hugely popular with the fans because he makes time for them.
"You can get closer to the players in the lower leagues but equally some players will rush to get on the coach or flick a few autographs. Peter's never like that. He makes himself available to the supporters. After games he spends time at the club with his family speaking to supporters."
