10 years of swinging for prostate cancer: a decade of unforgettable moments and life-changing achievements

Sir Chris Hoy has stepped up to back The BIGGER 180 and is sharing a lifesaving message for men – don’t wait for symptoms of prostate cancer and check your risk today.

One of Britain’s best-loved sporting heroes, Sir Chris is urging men to “get on the front foot” by taking our 30-second online risk checker.

He’s also starting a national conversation about prostate cancer – so that more men find it early enough for a cure.

Once again, Paddy Power are leading the charge to save men’s lives by teaming up with us for The BIGGER 180 at this year’s World Darts Championship. Paddy Power have pledged £1,000 for every maximum – plus a colossal £180,000 bonus for each nine-darter. That’s £60,000 to the player who lands the perfect checkout, £60,000 for one lucky fan in the Ally Pally crowd, and £60,000 to support our groundbreaking prostate cancer screening trial, TRANSFORM.

We’re also aiming to get 180,000 sports fans checking their risk of prostate cancer. And as an ambassador for The BIGGER 180, Sir Chris is backing our big message to men.

Grassroots community power

“This campaign is about saving lives,” said Sir Chris. “It’s about getting more men checked earlier and catching the disease before it becomes serious. That’s how we make a real difference.

“I found out I had stage four prostate cancer without any symptoms. By the time I felt pain, it wasn’t in my prostate anymore – it was secondary cancer in my bones. If I’d thought to check when I was younger, maybe I’d have caught it in time. That’s why raising awareness is so important. So others don’t end up in the same situation.”

Sir Chris, whose father and grandfather had prostate cancer, says the key is catching it early - when it’s easier to treat. And the first step is to check your risk.

“The online risk checker takes just 30 seconds. You can do it any time of day – it’s so simple and easy,” he said. “Men with a family history or Black men, who are at higher risk, need to be particularly vigilant. It’s not just about waiting till you’re 50. Getting on the front foot is crucial.”

The incredible support of family and friends, plus the many kind messages he’s received from members of the public, have moved Sir Chris since he revealed his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year. And now he wants everyone to reach out to the men in their lives, and start talking about prostate cancer.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so much support from my family, friends and even the general public,” he said. “The kindness has lifted me up and given me a sense of purpose.

“A problem shared is a problem halved. So check in on your mates, your dad, your brother. One conversation could make all the difference.”

But it isn’t just about fundraising. The Big Golf Race sparked crucial conversations about prostate cancer, encouraging men to think about their health while doing something they love. The event highlighted how golf—a sport rooted in camaraderie and endurance—could become a powerful platform for awareness and support.

The impact didn’t stop there. The event gained momentum through social media buzz, boosted by the support of celebrities like comedians Alex Horne and John Robins, who shared their experiences online, inspiring others to join.

The wait is over! New video up now! @WycombeHeights @cobragolfuk @ProstateUK https://t.co/tkI4cPCNvG pic.twitter.com/EAA2AOhNik

— Bad Golf (@BadGolfChannel) July 12, 2022

Our milestone partnerships

As the official charity partner of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, we’ll be there for every arrow – from the first match on Sunday 15 December right through to the final on 3 January.

With The BIGGER 180, Paddy Power’s generous donations will help support our TRANSFORM trial. The trial will find the best way to screen for prostate cancer and pave the way to a national screening programme, which could save thousands of lives every year.

“The TRANSFORM trial could completely change the game for prostate cancer screening, and Paddy Power’s support is helping make that possible,” said Sir Chris.

“Every 180 scored during the tournament brings us £1,000 closer to a future where prostate cancer is caught early and treated effectively.”

You can throw your support behind The BIGGER 180 too. Check your risk of prostate cancer today. And if you’ve done it already, talk to the men in your life and ask them to check their risk too. It only takes 30 seconds – you can do it while you’re watching the darts!

CHECK YOUR RISK

And in an incredible moment, Matt Baldwin holed out from 197 yards with a five iron on the iconic par three 14th hole. “It’s an incredible feeling,” said Matt on his first ever professional tournament hole-in-one. The incredible ace triggered a £50,000 donation from the tournament sponsor, Betfred.

🚨 HOLE IN ONE 🚨@mattbaldwin26 with an ace at the 14th, which means @Betfred will donate £50,000 to @ProstateUK 👏#BetfredBritishMasters pic.twitter.com/6OzJ2JR0WW

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 1, 2023

Beyond the course, fans rallied behind the cause through challenges, badge purchases, and even enjoying “Faldo’s Fish and Chips,” all contributing to nearly £200,000 raised during the partnership’s three-year span. The event’s success highlights golf’s unique power to unite players, fans, and sponsors in support of vital causes like prostate cancer awareness.

Our inspiring ambassadors and supporters in golf

In 2019, while also hosting his first Betfred British Masters, Danny Willett joined us as an ambassador and has since become an unwavering advocate for prostate cancer awareness within the golfing world.

The Masters champion was struck by the stark reality of prostate cancer when he learned that one man dies from the disease every 45 minutes. "That’s one man every three holes of golf,” Willett noted. This realisation has driven him to wear the Man of Men badge proudly throughout his playing seasons, using his platform to amplify awareness among players and fans alike.

More recently, in 2022 YouTube golfing sensation Rick Shiels took on the challenge of a lifetime—walking 150 miles from Prestwick to St Andrews, the home of golf, with golf clubs strapped to his back. And in the following year in 2023, he cycled 500km from St Andrews to Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Motivated by the devastating impact of prostate cancer, Shiels has raised an incredible £184,500 to support lifesaving research.

The journey wasn’t just physically demanding—blisters, unpredictable weather, and even a stress fracture tested his resolve. But along the way, Rick met countless individuals impacted by prostate cancer, which fueled his determination. Reflecting on the challenge, he said, "I met so many people in the ‘1 in 8’ club, and it hit home why this challenge was so important.”

I never in my wildest dreams expected any of this!
Walking 150 miles from Prestwick to St Andrews was challenging but it’s something I’ll remember and treasure forever! pic.twitter.com/sDsDTLYFeR

— Rick Shiels PGA (@RickShielsPGA) June 21, 2022

READ MORE ABOUT RICK SHIELS' CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME

Awareness and innovation: How Titleist and HowDidIDo got involved

In 2018, we teamed up with Titleist to deliver a unique way to spread awareness and raise vital funds for prostate cancer research. The partnership saw golfers across the country teeing off with specially branded Prostate Cancer UK golf balls, each bearing the iconic Man of Men logo.

Every drive, putt, and swing taken with these balls represented more than just a game—it became a powerful symbol raising awareness of the most common cancer in men. The awareness raised by these golf balls supported our ongoing mission to save lives and fund groundbreaking research in golf clubs and communities across the UK.

Launched in 2017, the How Do We Beat It? competition has become a cornerstone of Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with HowDidIDo, Europe’s largest online golf community. This annual tournament is a shining example of how the sport can unite thousands to raise both awareness and funds.

This unique competition challenges golfers to log their best rounds while contributing to a lifesaving cause. Since its inception, the initiative has raised more than £250,000, with each donation going directly toward research and support for men living with prostate cancer.

For many, the chance to compete and qualify for the prestigious Grand Final—held at world-renowned courses like Trump International and JCB Golf Club—adds an extra layer of excitement. But as past participants like Paul Jackson note, it’s the opportunity to make a tangible impact that leaves the most lasting impression. "Where else can you play for a great cause and have an experience like this?"

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW DO WE BEAT IT?

Your dedication makes a difference

As we reflect on an incredible year of achievements, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the golf community for their unwavering dedication, passion, and generosity. This year because of your support we’ve reached an incredible milestone, raising over £10 million through our golf fundraising!

Your efforts—whether through ambitious challenges, friendly competitions, or simple acts of support—have made a tangible impact, helping us fund groundbreaking research and provide vital support for men and their families.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to write the next chapter together. We invite you to join us once again in driving change, one swing at a time. Let’s continue to make a difference, both on and off the course. Together, we can achieve even greater things.

JOIN US IN 2025