Prostate United goes from strength to strength as Luton Town’s Big Mick Harford inspires the biggest squad ever.

Back in 2018 when Rotherham United Manager Paul Warne encouraged his staff to discuss people who inspired them, Stephen Gilpin, Head of Medical, chose to speak about his grandad, who he sadly lost to prostate cancer in 2010. “He played a huge part in my life and the discussion raised a motivation and ambition to emulate this great man in any way I can.”

Prostate United was conceived soon after. It’s the brainchild of Gilpin and his friend and colleague Ross Burbeary. The month-long fundraising effort involves football club staff running or cycling together every day through November to help beat prostate cancer. It’s all about the camaraderie, friendly competition and supporting mates, and has united rivals across the country around a common goal. 

To date, more than 300 staff members from more than 40 clubs including Wolves, Leeds United, Everton and Norwich City have pledged to run or cycle every day, with the England national team also getting behind the challenge through elite physio, Steve Kemp. And now it’s even branching out beyond football into rugby league and ice hockey clubs, and beyond our borders into the USA!

Since its inception it has raised more than £100,000, and shows no sign of slowing. For the first time in 2021, participants have the option to choose a daily distance to run or cycle – either 10km, 5km or 3km on foot, or 25km, 15km or 10km on a bike. 

Stephen and Ross have been putting in the work on social media too, and this year, on International Men’s Day they’ll take over our Instagram story to share their highlights and why they’ll keep going no matter how dark and difficult these cold mornings get.

Luton Town boast the biggest squad in this year’s challenge, with 64 staff members - including manager Nathan Jones - running every day to support assistant boss and club legend Mick Harford, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. The Hatters sit top of the challenge’s fundraising table having raised over £6,400. 

Harford said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support I’ve had in recent months, and this latest gesture from the staff at the football club is amazing. I wanted to use my situation to help other people, and the most satisfying thing for me is to hear from so many Luton Town fans and football supporters in general who have been to get themselves checked.

“Thank you to everyone who is supporting Prostate United and, just as importantly, thank you to everyone who is getting the word out there. It’s so easy to do, and it saves lives.”

You can donate to Prostate United here, and follow our Instagram to see Stephen and Ross sharing more about the challenge and why they chose to support us.

Fancy your own monthly running challenge?  January sees the return of Run The Month: Marathon Edition. Start the new year afresh and challenge yourself to run 26.2 miles over the month of January to help beat prostate cancer.