SOME of England’s top footballers have joined a Petts Wood couple to raise awareness of bowel cancer in young people.

Nicky and Alison Johns, of Crossway, Petts Wood, have launched a new Star of Hope badge as part of the Know the Score Campaign which they started after their 26-year-old son Stephen died of the disease in 2008.

The campaign, which is part of the Mr Brightside Project launched by Mr and Mrs Johns in 2010, has now been supported by footballing stars including England captain Faye White, England midfielder James Milner and World Cup winner Martin Peters.

The new badges were worn by players, managers and match officials, including the Crystal Palace team in their match warm-up, during a weekend of events to raise awareness.

Mrs Johns said: “It was a really successful weekend and we had great support from the local community. Around 50 shops in Petts Wood put up posters promoting the charity. It was a really great launch.”

Charities The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, the Adam Stansfield Foundation and the Professional Footballers Association are all supporting the Know the Score campaign.

To find out more visit knowthescore.org.uk.