We are delighted to announce that we have been selected as The
Football League's Official Charity Partner for the 2012/13
season!
The announcement follows a vote by more than 65,000 Football
League fans, club Chief Executives and Football League staff who
selected their preferred charity from a shortlist of six.
The six shortlisted charities were: Anthony Nolan, British Heart
Foundation, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, NSPCC, The Prostate
Cancer Charity and St John Ambulance.
Greg Clarke, Chairman of The Football League said:
"Congratulations to The Prostate Cancer Charity on their selection
as our 2012/13 Official Charity Partner.
"The competition was extremely tough again this year, with all
six shortlisted organisations presenting very worthy causes and
specialised plans to engage with all 72 Football League
communities.
"I would like to thank all those who took the time to
vote. I'm sure that Football League fans up and down the
country will continue the incredible support they have shown our
chosen charities over the last three seasons."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men; killing one
man every hour, every day. And there are a quarter of a
million men in the UK currently dealing with the disease.
The Prostate Cancer Charity's Specialist Nurses support
thousands of men with the disease whilst the Charity also invests
in vital scientific research.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of the Charity, said: "This is the
biggest cancer in men and football is the biggest sport for
reaching and involving men. So, partnering with The Football League
is an incredible opportunity for us to reach and support thousands
of football-mad men who will face this cancer.
"To put it into a match day context, between the time a
supporter goes through the turnstile, watches the game, gets a
half-time cuppa, and then leaves the ground after the final
whistle, two men have died from prostate cancer. That is why we are
so grateful to be able to work with The Football League and its 72
Clubs and communities to raise funds and help us fight this
disease."
As the Official Charity Partner, we will receive
exposure across all Football League clubs, raise huge awareness
with 72 football mad communities and raise a lot of money.
There will also be a dedicated week of action in 2013 and presence
at each of the five Football League Finals.
Ex-footballer - turned broadcaster, Mark Bright, has backed the
Charity's bid from the start. He says: "This is a massive result
for The Prostate Cancer Charity - I'm so proud to be a committed
ambassador. This disease kills one man every hour, but not enough
people know about it. For so many people - prostate cancer is just
not on their radar.
"This partnership means so much because we will be reaching the
men on the terraces with a message we need to drive home. It
will also raise vital funds, so the Charity can reach more men with
its specialist nurses, information and support. 2012 is such a big
year for everyone connected with The Prostate Cancer Charity. Get
in!"