Pink for the Brain

MOST captains are afraid to mention the ‘P’ word at this stage of the season – not Plymouth Argyle skipper Curtis Nelson. He is determined to lead his side to promotion this season.

The 22-year-old expects a huge response from the Pilgrims today as they aim to get their push towards Sky Bet League 1 back on track against Luton Town.

Visitors Luton arrive in good form, winning four of their last five league matches, but Argyle beat them 2-1 at Kenilworth Road back in October.

“Luton will pose a threat,” said Nelse. “We know they will be a force to be reckoned with, but we have beaten them once already. Hopefully, we can do it again.

“It would mean a lot for us all if we get promoted at the end of the season. It is what every player strives for in his career, and I’m no different. I want to get promoted more than anything this year.”

Pilgrims supporters have another important cause to rally behind this weekend. Curtis will lead his players out for the warm-up this afternoon in pink shirts to show solidarity with Plymouth University’s Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence.

Led by Professor Oliver Hanemann, the Centre is already Europe’s leading programme in developing personalised targeting therapies for low-grade brain tumours. The South West has the highest rate of brain tumours diagnosed per million in England, but research in this area is woefully underfunded.

“We are pleased to be part of the fight against brain tumours,” said Nelson. “It’s brilliant for us all to be involved. For the players, the coaches, all the staff and the supporters at the club, it is great to be supporting such an important cause because it does affect a lot of people, not just in the city and the region, but across the world.”

It is easy for supporters to get involved too – and they could even win an Argyle season ticket or a signed shirt – by simply texting BRAIN DRAW to 70660 today. Doing so will donate £3 to Brain Tumour Research and ensure entry into the draw.

“We have great ties with the University, and we want to do our bit for the cause,” said Nelse.

For more information about the Plymouth University Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, please visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/campaign/brain.