The month of March is dedicated to Prostate Cancer Awareness, and to highlight the annual event Leeds United invited local fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK, John Brownless, to Thorp Arch training ground for a very special visit.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, affecting one in eight, with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month raising crucial awareness around warning signs and those who are at higher risk. The dedicated month also promotes early detection, which leads to more successful treatment, helping to improve survival rates.
Avid Leeds supporter John Brownless, 63, has raised more than £200,000 for Prostate Cancer UK having been diagnosed at just 42 years old. John’s love of golf has seen him stage numerous golf days, at home and abroad, to raise these funds.
Brownless has also played a huge role in raising awareness of the disease, with around eight men, at his last count, diagnosed after reacting to his story and visiting their GP.
“I’ve had grown men charge across the golf course and thank me,” he said. “Many have told me they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but that they are having treatment. They are so grateful.
"People say quite often ‘why do you keep doing this year on year as you are banging the same drum?’ I tell them the reason I do it, is, as well as awareness I’ve got two sons and I don’t want them to have prostate cancer so if I can do anything to help find a cure before they get into the vulnerability of age where they can pick it up, then I’ve done my bit. That’s the reason I do it.”
To champion his efforts, John was invited to Thorp Arch and told he would be having a tour of the facilities, upon arrival he was surprised to meet Sam Byram along with many of the other first-team players, with Byram handing over a personalised shirt to John and also giving him the chance to discuss his incredible fundraising and pass on information around the disease.
“It was brilliant to meet John at Thorp Arch and hear about his amazing fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK," Byram said. "For him to have raised so much money and awareness for such an important cause, all while dealing with a diagnosis himself, is truly inspirational.
“It was a real eye-opener to learn the stats around prostate cancer and how it’s now the most common cancer in the UK, so I hope more Leeds fans will follow John’s lead and back Prostate Cancer UK. The charity’s work in football over the years, like Prostate United, has made a real impact, and as a club we’re proud to stand with Prostate Cancer UK and men like John.”
From all at Leeds United we would like to thank John for being such an inspiration. The hard work he does to raise awareness for a commonly misunderstood disease is invaluable, and so many people will be so appreciative.
