West Ham fans raise almost $9000 for Dylan Tombides’ Foundation as Stirling Lions get Hammers shout-out

The cancer charity set up in honour of the late Dylan Tombides has been a big beneficiary of West Ham’s visit to Perth earlier this year, with fans of the English Premier League club helping raise almost $9000.

Hammers players wore shirts adorning the DT38 Foundation logo during their two WA matches against Perth Glory and Tottenham Hotspur at Optus Stadium, honouring Perth product Tombides, who passed away in 2014 after battling testicular cancer.

It followed open training sessions where players sported Tombides’ name on their backs in a touching sign that the centre-forward was with them in spirit.

West Ham supporters raised around $8,700 through purchasing the shirts at auction, providing a welcome boost for the male cancer charity.

“The team has experienced an incredibly hectic few months, and we’re immensely proud of our accomplishments during this time,” DT38 Foundation’s head of media and operations Donna Giuffre said.

“The DT38 x WHU Limited Edition shirt auction turned out to be a remarkable success, enabling us to secure essential funds for our cause.

“We are truly grateful for the support from everyone and hope for their ongoing support in the years ahead. Our mission is far from complete.”

It comes as Hammers star Jarrod Bowen gave Tombides’ old club Stirling Lions a video shout-out to wish them luck ahead of Saturday’s National Premier League grand final.

“We really enjoyed coming over in July, and we hear you got through to the grand final. Just wishing you all the best and hopefully you can win,” Bowen said.

Stirling take on Perth RedStar in the decider at the State Football Centre.