Three members of the Morecambe FC staff are fundraising to help raise awareness and money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Olly Howse, Jack Griffin and Martin Bateman are taking on the challenge of running 10km a day, every day, throughout the month of October.
Prostate cancer kills one man every 45 minutes - that's half a football match. Alongside thousands of our fellow fans, they’re uniting against the most common cancer in men.
Howse was part of the team to take on the same challenge back in 2021 which ultimately raised £2,025, smashing the initial target of £1,000 – and he’s delighted to be making a difference once again.
“The reason I’m doing it again is because the last time I did it, the whole Prostate United initiative really took off,” he said.
“Since then, the whole charity has grown bigger and bigger, so I thought I’d have another stab at it and raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
“Getting through it each day with the pain is nothing compared to finding out you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, so that keeps me motivated – we’re just doing our little bit, even though it’s quite painful now, it might help someone in future.”
Club Chaplin Bateman is taking part in his first 10km a day, and his motivation and inspiration to battle on comes from a personal loss.
He said: “My dad, when he was about my age, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 30 or so years ago, and then he died five years later with secondary cancer.
“It’s affected my family and I’ve got friends even now in Lancaster who’ve got cancer, it can devastate families – the more research and help we can have even now, I know the treatment for it is much better than it was when my dad had it.
“Knowing all the clubs around the country are taking part, it’s called Prostate United and you really feel united with others, that’s why I like to do it.”
Another first timer is physiotherapist Jack Griffin, who spoke of the rewards that comes with taking part in the challenge.
“Getting it done each day provides a great feeling of self-worth when you’re doing it, it’s painful but also really rewarding,” he explained.
“We’re doing something really good for a great cause, and also challenging and testing ourselves to these limits.
“The support we’ve had so far is good, it’s nice receiving messages and we check the donation page every now and then to see the total raised figure going up and read the supportive messages; that in itself has been rewarding.”
As well as the challenge itself, exclusive pieces of memorabilia will be up for auction to help boost the overall total, including a Morecambe FC signed shirt and more.
To make a donation and to keep updated with how well the lads are doing, make sure to visit their JustGiving page.