This Saturday we’re delighted to welcome PCUK to the Lamex Stadium in order to raise awareness and funds for Prostate cancer.
Volunteers will be collecting funds inside and outside the ground so please give generously when you see them.
With the money raised, Stevenage fans will be joining the fight to help stop prostate cancer being a killer.
Leading the collections on Saturday is Stephen Payne, Head of Coaching at the Academy. He will be joined by family and friends and is also running the London Marathon for PCUK next month.
We spoke to Stephen about his Dad’s story and why he is so keen to play his part.
"I want to do all I can to help the cause after what happened with my Dad. Thankfully we got through it but that doesn't mean it didn't have a lasting effect on my family.
“In April 2006 after the need for frequent visits to the toilet, constantly straining to empty his bladder and then finally discovering a hernia, my Dad finally visited the family doctor.
“After tests, the results of an aggressive prostate cancer were confirmed. The hernia and narrowing of the bladder neck, due to the straining, was a result of an enlarged prostate.
“Dad saw the specialist and as he was only 54, the professor advised a 'radical prostatectomy' as this was his best option.
“Without treatment, Dad's life expectancy was 5 years maximum.
“Operation day was 9/11/2006 and thankfully the result was that the cancer was contained within the prostate gland and it hadn't spread.
“Dad didn't require the salvage radiotherapy or any further medication, just 6 monthly and then yearly blood tests to keep an eye on his PSA levels.
“After 5 years Dad was given the all clear.
“It is important we try and educate as many people as possible. How many men know where the Prostate gland is? How many men know what the Prostate gland does?
“It could save your life just knowing what to look out for and visit the doctor if there's a doubt."
Since Prostate Cancer UK’s Official Charity Partnership with the EFL was announced back in 2012 the charity has raised over £2m which will go towards the charity’s ten year strategy to tame prostate cancer.
The football community has a big part to play. Whether it is fans donating their change, footballers wearing the man of men logo within their shirt numbers or managers donning the pin badge – it all makes a big difference.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, while the odds for black men are just 1 in 4.