A BIG-HEARTED landlord and his regulars are paying homage to Altrincham Football Club’s biggest fan – Kenny Palin – by raising money for cancer research at Kenny’s request.


Kenny, a popular customer at The Bricklayer’s Arms in Altrincham’s George Street, recently featured in a programme of the club, known as The Robins.
 

Now he has autographed it and asked for donations for cancer research.
And the person who gives the biggest donation will be presented with it by 67-year-old Kenny of Timperley and landlord Phil Harris.
 

Kenny, who recently recovered from cancer of the gullet, said: “Everybody dreads the illness but I am living proof that it can be beaten.”
 

He added: “I love my football and have followed The Robins for many years and have made many friends at the club.
 

“But I was thrilled when I saw the write-up about me in the club’s programme of December 8.”


Father-of-two Phil, 46, is also passionate about helping to raise funds for cancer research for his younger brother, David, 43, and their mum, 73-year-old Mrs. Joyce Harris, are both recovering from the illness.
 

Phil said: “Kenny is a character and a half. You can’t help liking him. My customers love him and he is a popular personality around the town.
 

“When he showed me the programme, I suggested raising money for charity and Kenny said straightaway, ‘Let’s do it for cancer research’.
 

“Now he’s autographed it and the person who digs deepest into his or her pocket will be presented with it by Kenny and myself in the not-too-distant future.”
 

One of the Robins’ vice-presidents, Brian Flynn, who wrote the article for the programme, wrote: “Kenny started watching Altrincham in 1966….he’s been to all our famous cup games down through the years since then.”
 

He added: “Let’s salute one of our favourite sons, a man who says, ‘I enjoy this football club because I’ve got many friends and that’s what makes me happy.
“What a legend!”