Despite being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2004, Dale showed great resilience and never let his illness stand in the way of achieving what he wanted to. In 2006, he completed the Great South Run, raising over £2,000 for St. Mark’s Hospital where he was treated. A naturally gifted footballer, Dale continued playing football representing LOFT, Orientear & Steelo's Magic Hat until he was physically unable to.

A group of Dale’s family, friends and team mates decided to play a match at Brisbane Road to remember Dale as it was felt this was the most fitting way to pay tribute to him, as well raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research.

A total of six matches were contested between LOFT and The Orientear for the Dale Jacobs Trophy with former Orient players Lee Steele, Mark Cooper, Lee Harvey, John Mackie all playing whilst Reverend Alan Comfort took the ceremonial kick off. Including raffles and sponsored walks, Orient fans raised over £60,000 for cancer charities.

Orientear FC record in Dale Jacobs Trophy