Celebrities, who have shown huge support to both The Prostate
Cancer Charity and Marks & Spencer during this year's Prostate
Cancer Awareness Month, attended a special gala dinner to further
raise awareness and funds last week, Thursday 8th March,
at London's Floridita.
Model, David Gandy, was amongst the famous faces that attended
the event and showed his support. He arrived wearing a blue shirt
and pockerchief, sporting the 'out of the blue' theme and
reflecting the sometimes symptomless disease. David has been the
face of the M&S Collezione brand since Autumn 2011.
Footballing legends, Mark Bright and Les Ferdinand MBE, also
attended in support of the Charity. Les supported last year's
campaign by designing his own M&S pants and continues to back a
cause close to his heart. Several members of Les' family have been
affected by prostate cancer, including his grandfather and uncle,
and sadly his mother died from breast cancer.
Lead vocalist for the 1980s band Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley,
performed famous hits such as Gold, Through the Barricades, and
Suspicious Minds on the night to show his support, attracting
everyone to the dancefloor!
Ambassador for The Prostate Cancer Charity and Magic 105.4 FM
DJ, Neil Fox, attended the event to deliver a moving speech about
his late father who died from the disease. Dr Fox, as he is also
known, has shown immense support for the Charity by committing to
run this year's Virgin London Marathon for Team PB (prostate and
breast cancer), and is also fronting the Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month campaign through eye-catching adverts and short films.
Neil said: "Prostate Cancer hit my family out of the blue when
my Dad was diagnosed. It is so important that all men are aware of
the risks so others don't find themselves in the same situation. I
hope that many people will join the charge and visit their local
M&S store to show their support for the 10,000 men like my Dad
who die from this disease each year."
The dinner, attended by over 280 people, all helped to raise
funds on the night, through a tombola, donations and two auctions,
a silent and main, with prizes including a Banksy artwork, an
England signed cricket bat and a holiday in a Thailand
hideaway.
Speaking about the success of the event, Mark Bishop, Director
of Fundraising at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "The evening
was fantastic. M&S is extremely supportive of the Charity and
continue to help us tackle the disease, through both fund and
awareness raising. I would also like to thank all the celebrities
who took time out to attend this fabulous event and showed their
ongoing support."
Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A, CSR and Sustainable
Business at M&S, said: "Many men don't like thinking about
their health and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is key to changing
this mindset. We encourage our customers to get involved this month
and help make a contribution to saving the men in their lives."
The support for the Charity also extends to staff at M&S,
who have been quick to embrace the partnership. Many are taking on
fundraising endeavours of their own during March.
Pin badges and bottle openers will also be available in store
throughout the month for a suggested donation, and 10% of sales of
specially selected shirts from M&S' Blue Harbour range* will be
going to the Charity.
For further information about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,
please visit: www.prostateaware.org.uk