Cambridge United are asking supporters to join the Club in celebrating the life of fellow U’s fan Cayden Tickner at Saturday’s opening fixture at the Abbey Stadium against Newport County.
Cayden was an avid Cambridge United supporter and season ticket holder who, until he became ill, enjoyed his trips to matches at the Abbey with his grandad Graham. At the age of ten, in March 2018, Cayden was diagnosed with a brain tumour which was so rare it couldn’t be identified, either in the UK or abroad. Cayden endured two lengthy operations to reduce the size of the tumour but because of its position he was left permanently blind.
During his time in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cayden was thrilled to receive a visit from some of the United first team squad at the time and then, having been released from hospital, was invited by the Club to be one of the mascots at the final game of the 2017/18 season. He loved the experience despite his new disability.
He went through a long course of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, but remained as cheerful and positive about life regardless of all it was throwing at him.
The medical treatment eventually had to be withdrawn, and the tumour, which had been held at bay to some extent, soon began to grow again. In the early spring, Cayden’s condition worsened noticeably and (now 11 years old) was sadly taken from his family on May 3rd 2019, almost exactly 12 months after his mascot day.
Cayden will always be remembered for his courage, his positivity, his humour and, above all, his loving nature. He will never be forgotten by anybody who knew him or came into contact with him.
This week’s remembrance of Cayden:
Thursday – Cayden’s family will be meeting the first team playing and coaching staff at the Inc. Training Ground
Evad Community Hero – Cayden has been posthumously awarded the Evad Community Hero of the day award, and his family who will be joining the Club in hospitality on the day, will present the match ball to the match referee prior to kick off on Cayden’s behalf. We ask supporters to give them a warm welcome to the field.
Match Day Celebration of Cayden’s Life – The match programme will feature Cayden on the front cover and also feature more information on his brave story. Cayden’s sisters Liannah and Ellis-Mae will also be playing their part in leading the team out of the tunnel alongside Cayden’s favourite player George Maris. The first team players themselves will be wearing warm up t-shirts that feature Cayden’s image and the message “ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS, ALWAYS A U”.
The Joshua Tarrant Trust – In June 2018 Cayden took part in a walk to help raise money for a charity which had great meaning for him, and had become very special to him. The Joshua Tarrant Trust, based in Haverhill, exists solely to help children with brain tumours. There will be a bucket collection at the game for the charity on Saturday across the Abbey Stadium, whilst supporters can donate online at https://www.joshuatarranttrust.org.uk/
Eleventh Minute – Cambridge United would like to ask supporters in attendance to join us in a minute’s applause in the 11th minute to celebrate the 11 special years of Cayden’s life.