Give A Few Bob
Bob Monkhouse’s ‘Giveafewbob’ TV advert has highlighted the importance of men being aware of the seriousness of prostate cancer.
The disease kills over 10,000 men per year out of 30,000 sufferers and the comedian’s ‘from the grave’ advertisement asks for donations for more research into its causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Prostate cancer produces a higher death rate in men than breast cancer in women, but unlike the latter has no national screening programme. As a result, only one man in 12 is tested each year for the disease.
One of the UK’s leading research centres is the Bristol Urological Institute, based at Southmead Hospital, and later this year Bristol Rotarians are staging a 5km run in the City to raise awareness of prostate cancer and generate funds for research.
The 2007 Run for the Future takes place on Sunday, 16 September, but the idea was born three years ago following the death of six Rotarians in Bristol from the disease. Last year’s inaugural run attracted 600 entries, raising over £63,000 for the BUI Prostate Cancer Appeal – this year it’s hoped to double that!
The campaign is being supported by Noel Edmonds, the celebrity host of ‘Deal or No Deal’ who introduces the dedicated website at www.runforthefuture.org He has more reason than most to support Run for the Future:
“Prostate cancer is very close to my heart as my dear Dad died from this terrible disease,” he said. “In those days, there wasn’t the awareness or the research projects that exist today. Local vital research will be greatly assisted by the money raised by Run for the Future.”
Event co-ordinator, Rotarian Ian Beattie, says this year’s event will be a further opportunity for the community in the South West as a whole to become more aware of the signs and symptoms of this “silent killer”.
“A 50 year old man has a one in 11 chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it’s a disease that many do not want to talk about. We hope we can raise awareness and encourage men to talk to their GPs about having the simple diagnostic blood test – it could save their life.
Run for the Future is about providing hope – for the men who suffer from the disease and for their families - which is why we hope it will become a major regional initiative and one day grow into a national appeal,” said Ian.
To donate to the BUI appeal or to participate in Run for the Future 2007, please go to the website www.runforthefuture.org.uk or contact the Run office on 0117 959 6328.
