One million reasons to celebrate: Prostate United scores big!

Due to your grit and determination, we’ve not only raised an impressive £375,000 this year, but together we’ve smashed through the £1 million mark since Prostate United began. That’s a huge milestone, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you. 

310/310 ✅🏃🍾

A real family year for me and I have loved every minute of it @prostateunited

Well done to everyone who has laced up their trainers come rain or shine! Together we have achieved another record year for @ProstateUK

1/8 men - 1 man every 45mins. That’s the why pic.twitter.com/EuXRMOQtrm

— Stephen Gilpin (@StephenGilpin_) October 31, 2024

And to talk about the numbers – over 1,400 of you signed up to take on this challenge, which nearly doubles last year’s total. This isn’t just about the numbers, though; every pound you’ve raised is going to help save men’s lives. Your efforts bring us closer to making better treatments, early diagnosis, and a national screening programme a reality for men in the UK. It’s safe to say, you’ve done something truly game changing. 

Heroes of the pitch: fans, coaches and managers take on the challenge

It was a proper team effort this year, with our super-sized squad including managers, coaches, fitness staff and supporters. Even the media got involved, with Doncaster manager Grant McCann, Sheffield Wednesday coach Chris Powell and Prostate Cancer UK ambassador and former England defender Viv Anderson all chatting about Prostate United on Sky Sports News.  

McCann and Powell also spoke to The Guardian and talkSPORT respectively about the challenge, and Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder even hosted a press conference sporting his Prostate United shirt. 

A HUGE thank you to manager Chris Wilder and his staff at @SheffieldUnited for getting involved in #ProstateUnited 👏

The Blades boss spoke more about the challenge in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, while proudly sporting our new shirt ⤵️#SUFC | #TwitterBlades pic.twitter.com/UIBaFHPBj1

— Prostate United (@prostateunited) October 1, 2024

The Rovers return to glory

And the results are in... Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann pledged his team would top the table again after lifting the trophy in 2023 - and he delivered! The Rovers squad raised over £36,000 - double what they managed last year. 

He said: “The amount of support we’ve received has been nothing short of amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for the donations and support.  

“We managed to pull a team of 60 people together from across the club and it was an unbelievable effort. It was the talk of the training ground every morning, and it certainly brought the whole club together.  

“Prostate cancer has affected my family and friends. All this money we’re raising is going to fund better research which will make a huge difference to men and their loved ones.” 

🏃🚲 OVER £35K raised for @ProstateUK @prostateunited by team Doncaster Rovers 2024!

A fantastic effort from everyone involved, both participants and those that donated 🙌

🎬 Here's how some members of team Doncaster put in their final run/cycle of October... #DRFC… pic.twitter.com/WaNjJxS7D0

— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) November 1, 2024

Chris Powell’s powerhouse effort with Sheffield Wednesday

Coach and long-time supporter of Prostate Cancer UK, Chris Powell, spearheaded the Sheffield Wednesday squad that stormed to second place in the league table, with almost £20,000 in the pot.  

“It was an honour to be part of Sheffield Wednesday’s Prostate United team this year. I’d be lying if I said it was enjoyable; it was very tough at times, but knowing we have collectively raised almost £20,000 is incredible.   

“I know prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and black guys are double the risk of other men. That’s why this cause is important to me and important to football fans generally. We lose a dad, brother, partner or best mate to prostate cancer every 45 minutes - that’s half a football match.” 

It's been one huge effort and today, our staff are crossing the finish line after a month of running/walking/cycling for @prostateunited 💪

There is still time to donate to our team page if you can! #ProstateUnited | #swfc pic.twitter.com/DoiC3A2fiD

— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) October 31, 2024

A true Cityzen: Tommy’s high-scoring fundraiser

Football fans from far and wide also took part in the challenge including Jersey-based Manchester City fan Tommy Hayden. He raised £2,300 during Prostate United, and his efforts caught the attention of the current Premier League champions who sent him a signed shirt to boost his fundraising efforts. 

“Doing Prostate United has been really rewarding for me, and it's also allowed me to connect with many other football fans. Representing Manchester City and seeing the club flying high on the leaderboard is a big sense of pride too,” he said. 

“Football is so often the great equaliser, and it really can be a force for good. I hope men and their loved ones don’t have to be diagnosed by chance. Knowing their risk and speaking to their GP can hopefully pave the way for a better future for men and their loved ones.” 

For family and the Foxes: Jess's challenge for Dad

Huge football fan Jess flew the flag for her club, Leicester City, putting in the miles for her dad, who was successfully treated for prostate cancer in 2023.  

She said: “After dad was diagnosed, as a family we discovered the amazing support and research Prostate Cancer UK provide to men and their families, so we knew we wanted to be involved in some way in future fundraisers and regular donations to the charity. 

“The community Prostate United has built is astounding. So much support is given throughout, not only from the charity themselves but other runners, riders, walkers and wider family and friends, really getting behind you with their generosity and kind words.” 

Closing out a record-breaking year!

As the final whistle sounds on another incredible Prostate United campaign, we’re left in awe of the heart shown by every supporter who joined us. Together, we’ve reached the £1,000,000 mark which will go on to fund lifesaving research and treatments—an accomplishment that shows just how powerful the football community can be when we come together.  

From fans and players to coaches and club legends, every mile covered has brought us closer to a future where prostate cancer can be detected and treated earlier for thousands of men. Cheers to every one of you—until next year, let’s keep this momentum going! 

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