Well fans urged to back Men United

Hamilton man, Neil Armstrong, is urging Motherwell fans to back Prostate Cancer UK’s Men United campaign in memory of his late friend Bill Valentine, a life-long ‘Well supporter and season-ticket holder who sadly passed away from the disease.

The call comes as Prostate Cancer UK launches the next phase of the Men United campaign, which aims to 'keep friendships alive.'

And in another local twist Motherwell FC has teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK for the remainder of 2014/15 season. As part of the partnership ‘The Well’ will host a series of Men United activities and awareness raising events throughout the year.

Neil – chair of Lanarkshire’s prostate cancer support group who has himself overcome the disease - is urging all fans to unite against the common enemy of prostate cancer, and to be aware of risk factors surrounding the disease.

Neil first met the late Bill Valentine - a former marine, life-long a Motherwell supporter and long term season-ticket holder - at a prostate cancer support group meeting. Neil commented: “Bill made a lasting impression in the years he attended the support group, not only by bringing in models and tales of landing craft he had been in charge of during his career, but also through his relationship with Motherwell FC. On the back of Bill’s love for the club former Scotland and ‘Well manager Craig Brown was a memorable visitor to our support group.

“Bill sadly passed away in August 2012, but he would have been delighted to know that his beloved Motherwell were partnering with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men. It’s a fitting tribute to him, as a life-long fan, and I would urge everyone reading this to get behind the partnership and make sure they are aware of the risk factors for prostate cancer.”

Neil continued: “I myself was diagnosed with prostate cancer twenty years ago, at the age of just 46, after going to my GP with urinary problems. Fortunately, in my case, the disease was caught early and so was entirely treatable. My message to men is to be aware of their health as early detection is key.

“Those at increased risk of prostate cancer include men with a family history of the disease in a father or brother, men over the age of 50, and black men. Also if men notice any potential symptoms - in particular changes to urinary habits or pain in the back, hips or pelvis - or have any concerns about the disease speak to their GP, or contact Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses for further information. As my case shows a diagnosis needn’t be a death sentence, but the earlier the condition is caught the better. ”

Since it was launched 12 months ago Men United has caught the public imagination, creating a new zeal for change in men’s health. More than 200,000 people have signed up to pledge their support. Men from all walks of life have formed a growing army, raising funds to find the answers for the future through research and to support men living with the disease now.

People are being urged to search ‘Men United’ and sign up.

The Men United campaign includes a new TV ad, featuring a series of different scenes about the power, warmth and humour of male friendships. The new Men United TV advert can be viewed here:http://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/men-united

Prostate Cancer UK’s Lanarkshire Support Group meets on the third Thursday of every month in the Maggie’s Centre in Monklands General Hospital, Airdrie. For further details on any of Prostate Cancer UK’s support groups please contact Ann Innes on 0141 314 0050 or email ann.innes@prostatecanceruk.org.

Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can speak to Prostate Cancer UK's specialist nurses confidentially on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org . The service is free to landlines, staffed by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening of 10am - 8pm on Wednesdays.

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