Raising awareness
06 Nov 2025Millwall FC fan Brian’s legacy lives on, as son William asks fans to check their prostate cancer risk
11 and a half years ago, Brian Kilgannon made a film to encourage fellow Millwall FC supporters to check their risk of prostate cancer. Now, 10 years after Brian’s death, his son William is sharing the same message.
When lifelong Millwall supporter Brian Kilgannon was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in 2013, it was the club’s famous motto – We Fear No Foe – that proved a personal source of strength.
Those powerful words inspired Brian to make an award-winning film, where he shared his story with fellow football fans and helped raise awareness of the disease.
Brian’s moving film was shot at Millwall’s stadium, The Den, ending with a striking image of empty seats and the words: ‘Don’t let Brian’s message go unheard’.
William’s film brings Brian's lifesaving message for men to a new generation
Now, Brian’s son William is making sure fellow supporters hear the family’s story loud and clear – reaching a new generation of fans by creating his own version of the film, 10 years after his dad passed away.
Prostate cancer is the UK's last major cancer without a screening programme. Back in 2022, we submitted evidence to the committee backing targeted screening of men at highest risk, like Black men or those with a family history – like William.
It’s why William decided to take action now, with his own powerful prose interspersed with memories of the past, present and future, and a large nod to Brian’s original film.
The film tracks William’s journey to The Den as he reflects on his dad’s video, and visits his tribute plaque outside the ground. Then, just like Brian, he emerges through the tunnel to deliver a pitchside message – with a twist.
“The Den means so much to me and my family,” says 22-year-old William. “It’s where my dad – my hero – first spoke out about his diagnosis. I want to honour his legacy, celebrate his efforts and encourage as many Millwall fans as possible to get behind us and show their support.”
The new film will premiere at Millwall’s match on Saturday
Much like his dad’s original film, William’s new version shares the same lifesaving message for men: check your risk of prostate cancer and find it early, when it’s easier to treat.
William’s follow-up film will premiere in front of thousands of Millwall fans on Saturday 8 November at their home game against Preston North End. Lions goalkeeper Lukas Jensen, whose father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and Paul Robinson, Millwall skipper during Prostate Cancer UK’s season as the club’s front of shirt sponsor back in 2013/14, have also lent their support.
“Don’t leave it late. Find out if you’re at risk of prostate cancer and what you can do to find it early.”
Before his diagnosis, Brian had symptoms but didn't know he was at risk of prostate cancer
William says Brian had symptoms before his diagnosis and knew something wasn’t right. But as a man in his late 40s, he simply didn’t know he was at risk. He thought prostate cancer was “just an old man’s disease”.
“My dad was my idol,” says William. “When he was diagnosed, I found it hard to understand. I didn’t want to imagine life without him. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about my dad’s foe.
“Time has moved on, yet men like my dad are still being taken from us far too young. So here’s my message to every man. Don’t leave it late. Find out if you’re at risk of prostate cancer and what you can do to find it early.”
You can watch Brian’s original film and William’s new film here.
