Ex-Pilks footballer to complete wheelchair push for Clatterbridge

Derek Ellis played at Pilkington FC between 1980 and 1989, and then again from 1991 to 1997.

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Despite receiving the "devastating news" of his brain tumour, Derek, 60, remains in "amazingly high spirits".

And a wheelchair push is to take place at Ruskin Drive, where Derek, from Thatto Heath, will be pushed around the cricket oval to cover the equivalent distance of a trip from Saints' stadium to Lord Street in Southport.

Derek Ellis (front, middle) played for Pilks in the 1980s and 1990s (Image: Submitted)

Ruskin recently held a race night to raise funds for Clatterbridge Neurology Department on behalf of the former Pilks centre forward.

Derek was a member of the 1982/83 side that won the Warrington Sunday Premier League.

He has been treated by Clatterbridge for his brain tumour and the wheelchair push will again raise funds for the cause.

Derek will complete his wheelchair push at Ruskin's cricket oval (Image: St Helens Star)

"Derek is in amazingly high spirits despite the devastating news, and on Saturday, December 3 we are hosting a wheelchair push where Derek will push the equivalent distance from Saints Stadium to Lord Street Southport, but around the Ruskin cricket oval," said current Pilkington FC chairman Mark Hayes.

"He will be pushed by family, friends, and players from that era.

"There will be a bucket collection on the day, along with the current Pilkington first team also taking on Runcorn Town at 3pm that day."

Derek played centre forward for Pilks (Image: Submitted)

Derek will start his challenge at 9am on Saturday, December 3, and hopes to finish at 4pm.

Mark added: "We invite as many as possible to join us on the day and support a great man on his challenge."