Thursday 29 November 2001
Millwall striker, Neil Harris, kicked off a new campaign on 22 November at The Den to help relegate male cancers. The new Neil Harris everyman Appeal is joining forces with leading recycling company, Office Green and will raise vital funds for more research into testicular and prostate cancers.
Neil is heading this campaign following his diagnosis of testicular cancer in June. He has also agreed to be a Patron of the everyman campaign. everyman was set up by The Institute of Cancer Research in 1997 because there was very limited awareness of male cancers and research into this area was so severely underfunded.
There was shock amongst the football fraternity when they heard that Neil had cancer, and they wanted to know what they could do to help. Today's Appeal launch outlines a unique scheme to raise thousands of pounds by recycling used printer cartridges.
Neil said: "I want to help raise awareness of male cancers and also raise money for research into the disease. This scheme provides a simple way of doing both at no cost to those who take part."
Melvin Hurley, Marketing Manager of Office Green, said: " We are delighted to be able to support Neil Harris. This campaign is an easy way for people to give without cost. Every company uses toner cartridges and, instead of throwing them away, they can send them to us to be recycled. They will be helping the environment as well as helping cancer research."
Professor Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research said, "Testicular cancer has a 96% cure rate if it is caught early enough so awareness is crucial. The key message here is that men should be aware of the need to regularly check themselves for changes - the earlier this disease is diagnosed, the better the chances are for a full recovery."
Money raised by the campaign will go towards supporting research at the UK's first dedicated male cancer research centre at The Institute's site in Sutton, Surrey.
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For more information about how to support this campaign please call Office Green on 0800 833480 and for more information about testicular or prostate cancer please call everyman on 0800 731 9468.
Notes to the editor:
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men from 15-35. Cases of testicular cancer have risen by 70% in the last 20 years but doctors do not know why.
- The Institute of Cancer Research has recently been named a Centre of Excellence for prostate cancer.
- Prostate cancer affects older men. It is the second most common cancer in men, with 21,400 new cases diagnosed every year.
- The Institute of Cancer Research is a charity that depends on voluntary funds.