Stevenage FC has pledged support to Prostate Cancer UK’s Sledgehammer Fund this weekend, as part of their contribution to a season saving men’s lives in support of The Football League’s Official Charity Partnership.
The Sledgehammer Fund aims to wake up the nation to a disease that kills 10,000 men every year. That's one man every hour, and the number of men with the disease is rising at an alarming rate.
While it is already the most common cancer in men, prostate cancer is predicted to become the most common cancer of all in the UK by 2030. It's as big an issue for men as breast cancer is for women — yet prostate cancer gets just a fraction of the money for research. The disease is poorly understood, the tests aren't good enough, and the treatments can have life-changing side effects. The prostate is approximately the size and shape of a walnut, and Prostate Cancer UK needs a huge sledgehammer to crack it
Players, staff and fans of the 72 Football League clubs are helping more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life, and Stevenage FC has vowed to play its part at this weekend’s game versus Colchester United with a bucket collection to raise awareness and money of and for the services of Prostate Cancer UK.
As well as giving any spare loose change to the bucket collectors on Saturday afternoon, fans will be able to donate via a collection, the website or by texting CRACK to 70004 to donate £5* to the Sledgehammer Fund.
Dave Toyn, Marketing Manager at the club, said: “We are proud to be playing our part in The Football League’s Official Charity Partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, and we look forward to working closely with both organisations to help crack prostate cancer.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, killing more than 10,000 in the UK every year. It’s so important that all men know about the disease, which is why are delighted to play our part in getting the message out there as far and wide as possible - throughout the football community and beyond.”
“Prostate Cancer UK’s groundbreaking partnership with The Football League is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men. It’s brilliant that all 72 Football League clubs including Stevenage FC are joining forces to spread the word about prostate cancer this season and help raise money for the range of support services Prostate Cancer UK has to offer men affected by the disease.”
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Every hour one man dies from prostate cancer, but still all too few men talk about their health as much as they should. Prostate Cancer UK’s Official Charity Partnership with The Football League will play an invaluable role in helping cracking prostate cancer, and vital in encouraging men to be more open and to think and talk about prostate cancer.
“We hope that everyone who comes through the turnstiles this March at Stevenage FC will get behind the partnership to raise as much as possible and make an even bigger difference to the 250,000 men affected by the disease throughout the UK.”
Greg Clarke Chairman of The Football League said: “Prostate Cancer affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK every single day and I’m proud that all 72 Football League clubs will unite behind a season saving men’s lives. I would encourage fans up and down the country to get involved with fundraising at their local League club to help fight this disease.
“With the help of The Football League and supporters, we can make more men, and their families, aware of their health and help raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK’s vital support services. By working with The Football League, our clubs and their local communities this partnership will play its part in helping Prostate Cancer UK make a difference to the lives of thousands of men across the country.”
Prostate Cancer UK’s dedicated weeks of support from 2nd to 16th March coincide with the charity’s Sledgehammer Fund and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
.www.prostatecanceruk.org/footballText CRACK to 70004 to donate £5* to Prostate Cancer UK or visit
to also take a look at Prostate Cancer's spoof betting ads. HERE and HEREClick
**Text costs £5 plus network charge. Prostate Cancer UK receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 08448479800. Charity No 1005541.