A GROUP of fundraising footballers want to score a great result for charity – and bag a VIP trip to the FA Cup final.

Staff from MAN Truck and Bus UK and MAN Financial Services, based in Frankland Road, Blagrove, have entered a team in the FA People’s Cup, a new competition which is part of the BBC’s Get Inspired campaign to promote healthy living.

Up to 14,000 teams and more than 100,000 players are expected to take part. On their quest for Wembley glory the footballers will be raising money for men’s health charities, the Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Prostate Cancer UK.

Captain of the MAN team, Dennis Evans, has overcome testicular cancer and is pleased to be supporting the good causes.

“I was diagnosed with stage 4 Teratoma testicular cancer 20 years ago and was given just a few months to live,’’ said Dennis, head of aftersales business development for MAN Truck and Bus UK.

“My doctor diagnosed me when I went to him for a certificate to get out of a skiing trip I was too unwell to go on. If I had not seen my doctor at this point, the cancer would have been missed and I may not be here now.

“Luckily, I undertook an experimental form of chemotherapy which I owe my life to. It is of paramount importance to raise awareness of men’s health concerns; prostate and testicular cancer in particular. Many people don’t know how widespread cancer actually is and how easily it can be prevented.”

Joining Dennis will be Lamar Stevens and Vince Goodenough from parts, Patrick Connolly from sales, Rob Zubovic from finance, Mike Evans from aftersales, and Mike Corkeran, Neil Duncan and Stuart Whitehead from MAN Financial Services.

The tournament will take place over three rounds. The first round will be on the weekend of February 20, with Dennis’ team playing their first match in Bristol. Eight regional venues will host the semi-finals on the weekend of April 24.

Finals will take place on May 25 in Manchester with the winning teams being given a VIP trip to the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 30. To sponsor Dennis’ side visit www.justgiving.com/dennis-evans.