Nick's Nudge
Former Olympic athlete, Nick Rose, has appealed for families and friends to encourage men to get themselves checked by their GPs for prostate cancer.
Nick, who’s in his mid 50’s, will be among hundreds of runners taking part in a charity run next month to raise awareness of the disease, which claims the lives of 14,000 men in the UK every year.
Run for the Future is being held over 5km on the Downs in Bristol on Sunday, 16 September, to raise money for the Bristol Urological Institute’s Prostate cancer Appeal, to fund vital research.
Nick, who now lives in Bristol, competed in the 1980 Olympics and won the gold medal in the 1977 European Cup Final, but says fitness alone won’t protect you from the disease.
“Prostate cancer affects some 30,000 men every year, but if it’s caught early it can be treated. The problem is men need a nudge or push to get them to go to their doctor.”
Run for the Future takes place just a week after the Bristol Half Marathon and Nick says it’s a great opportunity for serious athletes to get some speed back in their legs.
“When I used to race over longer distances, I would take the opportunity to compete the following week to get some speed back in the legs,” said Nick.
“I’m taking part again this year because it’s so important to raise awareness around prostate cancer. I’m in the age bracket where men should realise the importance of being checked – and it’s just a simple blood test. I just hope the women in their lives give them the nudge they need!”
Run for the Future is also being supported by Noel Edmonds, whose father died from prostate cancer, and anyone interested in taking part can register online at www.runforthefuture.org or by ringing the Run for the Future office on 0117 9596328 for a Registration form.
