‘Men, we are with you.’ This is the message from leading men’s health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, as their March for Men series returns to London this summer.
Prostate Cancer UK this week launches its new campaign to celebrate everything great about men and highlight the moments lost when a man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer. Now in its third year, the London March for Men will take place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, on Saturday 15th June. It’s a family-friendly event where amblers of a range of fitness levels can walk in solidarity to celebrate and pay tribute to the special men in their lives.
Stepping up to the challenge, the charity will be urging walkers to back their campaign by completing a 2km, 5km or 10km route around the park – raising funds needed for vital research into the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, with the aim to save men’s lives.
Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling will also reprise his own March for Men, walking four marathons in four countries in four days from 5-8 September, kicking off in Glasgow, before visiting Belfast and then heading to Cardiff ahead of a sold-out finale in London on Sunday, 8th September.
Since 2016, more than 10,000 people have walked with Prostate Cancer UK and raised over £3.3million to support the charity’s vital work – but with the disease killing more people than breast cancer that quest is more urgent than ever and is driving a busy summer of activity.
Stelling, meanwhile, will be pounding the pavements across the major metropoles in a bid to raise over £1m, following the 25 walking marathons he has already completed in support of Prostate Cancer UK with 200 people signed up to support him in the capital.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one man dying every 45 minutes from this disease. That’s unacceptable, and that’s why I’m walking again”, said Jeff, who regularly wears the Prostate Cancer UK Man of Men pin badge on Soccer Saturday alongside former Arsenal stars Paul Merson and Charlie Nicholas.
“It’s an indiscriminate disease, affecting men and their loved ones across the UK. I’ve walked alongside many of them and am proud to call some friends. Their reaction and positive outlook despite being dealt the toughest of hands is simply unbelievable. I’m marching for them – and everyone affected – in a bid to fund the research to change the game.
Over 325,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer in England, and that figure is more than 38,000 in London, emphasising the need to raise awareness and funds.
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane: “We stand with men and for men: when diagnosis isn’t good enough, to fund research breakthroughs to provide better treatments, to campaign for better care, and with direct help through our support services. The fight against prostate cancer, a disease that kills one man every 45 minutes, is a purpose worth uniting for, and we want to continue making strides to combat this disease. That’s why our March for Men walking programme is bigger and better than ever this year with 10 city marches in June, Jeff Stelling’s epic four-day adventure in September and supporters continuing to organise their own walks up and down the country.
“We are constantly inspired by the incredible men, women and children who come out to support us, each with their own story, personal motivation and challenges to conquer. We will be proud to walk side by side with them and together we can add to the real momentum building in the fight against this disease. The vital next step is to fund more ground-breaking research and work towards a screening programme, to catch prostate cancer early and save lives.”
“Whether interested in being part of the amazing atmosphere in one of the fun-filled family-friendly city walks, or a football fan up for the challenge of marching alongside Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling in his quest to raise £1million, there’s a way for everyone to come together and achieve something really special. Choose from 2km to 26 mile routes and walk with family, friends or colleagues to help celebrate, commemorate and raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
To walk alongside Prostate Cancer UK, sign up for the London March for Men, hear more about Jeff’s epic challenge or organise your own March visit marchformen.org.
