Cambridge United FC supporters choose Arthur Rank Hospice Charity as their Charity of the year 2026-27

25 September 2026

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Large group of males and females, life sized bears and children outside looking at the camera

There was a very welcome buzz at the Hospice on Thursday 17 September when Cambridge United’s First Team players; Dom Ball, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Kell Watts and Patrick Bauer visited patients, family members and staff.

They came to announce the Club’s Charity of the Year Partnership for 2026/27. ‘Season Ticket Holders were invited to nominate local causes close to their heart and Arthur Rank Hospice Charity emerged as the clear and overwhelming choice across the supporter base’.

As Cambridge United’s Charity Partner for 2026/27, Arthur Rank Hospice will benefit from:

• A dedicated themed matchday at the Cledara Abbey Stadium in the spring, including a bucket collection, charity stall, matchday programme feature and complimentary ticket allocation.

• Player appearances throughout the season to support the charity’s campaigns and visit patients, staff and families.

• Awareness and fundraising opportunities promoted across the club’s official media channels.

• Direct support via the club’s fundraising activities across the upcoming year.

The Players were given a tour of the Hospice and stopped to talk to patients, families and staff to hear about the difference the Charity has made to them and their loved ones.

Excited fans were waiting for them in the Bistro, where the players signed balls, shirts and memorabilia and posed for photos before moving to the Hospice garden. They were joined by the Charity’s CEO, Sharon Allen, where she thanked them for their support to help raise the additional fundraising necessary to run the Charity’s services, which will cost £14.7 million in 2026/27.

The players, along with Cambridge United Supporter Engagement Officer Amelia Edwards, presented the Charity with a framed 2026/27 CUFC shirt.

The fans stayed to play football, games and magic from The Great Raymondo in the garden along with Arthur Bear, the Charity’s Mascot and Amber, the female CUFC Mascot. Sarah Clayton, Community Fundraiser at the Charity said:

“We are so excited to partner with CUFC and look forward to all the activities and fundraising in the coming year. We were grateful that they were able to take time out to visit the Hospice so they could see the difference that their support will make to people in Cambridgeshire living with an advancing serious illness and those who need end of life care.”