Monday 11 June 2001
The cast of 'They Think It's All Over' have today helped to launch the second Go Sports Mad Day in aid of everyman - The Institute of Cancer Research's campaign to raise funds and awareness for male cancers.
The stars of the comedy sports quiz gamely posed in a traditional footballing 'defensive wall'. With their hands clasped firmly at their fronts their stance offers a no nonsense message. Men must protect themselves from cancer and overcome their embarrassment.
By teaming up with top celebrities from the TV and sports world, everyman is encouraging people from all over the country to join in the fun on Friday June 15th, Go Sports Mad Day. By wearing your favourite sports kit to work or school and donating £1 to everyman you can help scientists unravel the mystery of male cancers.
The star-studded line up included all the regulars from the hit TV show, Nick Hancock, Jonathan Ross, Rory McGrath, David Gower and Gary Lineker. Quiz host, Nick Hancock urges everyone to get involved: "Go Sports Mad Day is an excellent opportunity to have fun in your sports gear whilst also getting across an important message. So get your kit on and raise money for this valuable cause."
There are dozens of ways in which the public can get involved. Up and down the country people will be meeting in the boardroom wearing their tennis whites, or sitting in the classroom in their favourite football shirt. For those who are feeling more energetic there's the opportunity to organise a football tournament or a golf challenge. The opportunities are endless and every penny of the money raised will go directly towards the fight against male cancer.
Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research says: "The support of the public is vital to us at The Institute of Cancer Research. With events such as Go Sports Mad Day we can raise awareness and the necessary funds to help us combat male cancers."
The Institute has recently opened the UK's first dedicated Male Cancer Research Centre where research is carried out into many different aspects of male cancers. The centre needs £2 million annually and money raised from Go Sports Mad Day will go towards supporting this vital research.
For more information and a free fundraising pack
call the Go Sports Mad Hotline on 020 7878 3810
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Notes to editors
For more information please contact The Institute of Cancer Research press office on 0207 970 6028 or out of hours: 0778 8427856. If you would like a copy of the photo e-mailed to you please call the press office.
- The everyman campaign was set up by The Institute of Cancer Research in 1997 to raise awareness of and funding for male cancers. June will mark the beginning of the fourth everyman - male cancer awareness month.
- The Institute of Cancer Research has recently been awarded one of only two Prostate Cancer Collaborative Grants by the National Cancer Research Institute.
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer amongst young men aged 20 - 35. Cases have risen by 70% in the last 20 years but doctors do not know why.
- Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with 19,500 new cases diagnosed every year. It affects older men, mostly aged 60 and above.