Premier League and Football League clubs raising thousands for Prostate United

Premier League and Football League clubs have joined forces to raise life-saving funds for Prostate Cancer UK in a mammoth fitness challenge taking place across November.

Dubbed 'Prostate United', the fundraising effort was created by Rotherham United Head of Medical Stephen Gilpin and Performance and Medicine Manager Ross Burbeary back in 2018 and has seen hundreds of football club staff take part.

Each November since then, staff have volunteered to run or cycle every day of the month to raise funds to tackle the disease that kills one man every 45 minutes.

Clubs across the English football pyramid and in the United States have been joined by rugby league and ice hockey club staff among others, so far raising more than £100,000 in total.

For the first time in 2021, participants have the option to choose a daily distance to run or cycle between 3km and 10km on foot and between 10km and 25km on a bike.

As of now, over 300 staff members from more than 40 clubs have signed up, including Premier League sides Wolves, Leeds United, Everton and Norwich – as well as the England National Football Team.

A look at the donation page will show thousands raised by staff at Hull City, Bristol City, Leeds, Wigan and Luton with many others already donating or currently preparing funds.

Millers duo Gilpin and Burbeary were inspired the create the initiative following the death of Stephen’s grandfather, Norman, from prostate cancer.

Stephen said: “In pre-season in 2018, the gaffer Paul Warne actively encouraged the group to discuss inspirational stories or personalities that have impacted our lives. I chose to speak about my grandad, who we sadly lost to prostate cancer.

"He played a huge part in my life and the discussion raised a motivation and ambition to emulate this great man in any way I can.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and knowing that has certainly drove us all on over the last three years. We’re delighted that the football family is coming together once more to raise money and awareness for a fantastic charity that’s close to my heart.”

Wolves detailed the extent of their generous involvement on their official website on Thursday, saying that 16 members of staff have joined up for the worldwide cause.

They wrote: "In a bid to raise vital funds, 16 members of the Wolves staff are joining the rest of the football community in running or cycling for Prostate Cancer UK this November.

"In the latest fundraising effort to raise awareness and funds for the charity, the Wolves team will join ‘Prostate United’ and either run 3km, 5km or 10km or cycle 10km, 15km or 25km every day during the month of November."

Nicola Tallett, Director of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK said: "Prostate United has really captured the imagination over the years, and it’s been fantastic to see the football family coming together again in support of men affected by prostate cancer and their families.

“To run or cycle every day for a month is no mean feat – especially considering the busy schedules of their clubs – so we’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Prostate United team.

“The funds raised by Stephen, Ross and every club and individual involved will be invested into research into better tests and treatments to stop prostate cancer being a killer.

"We thank the Prostate United team for their wonderful support and wish them all the best for November."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/campaign/ProstateUnited2021

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