Press release -

Edinburgh Marathon: Ellon duo goes the distance for Prostate Cancer UK

An Ellon duo has gone the extra mile to raise funds to fight the most common cancer in men.

On Sunday 25 May friends Gemma Beedie & Glynis Buchan successfully completed the grueling 26mile 365 yard route of the Edinburgh Marathon to help Prostate Cancer UK fund research, support men and deliver change for those affected by the killer disease.

Gemma and Glynis completed the course in 4hrs 5 mins and raised over £1,000 so far. The pair decided to run on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK in support of Gemma’s father who has previously been diagnosed with the disease.

Fiona Dunlop, Scotland Fundraising Manager at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is predicted to be the most common cancer overall by 2030. We are absolutely determined to beat this disease, but this would not be possible without people like Gemma and Glynis going over and above the call of duty to raise funds for the cause.

“We are so grateful to them for this incredible effort. Every penny raised will be put to good use helping men with the disease today, and finding answers to beat the disease in the future.”

The fundraising feat comes during Prostate Cancer UK’s ‘Men United v Prostate Cancer’ campaign, which uses the language of sport to engage men in the battle against the disease. Scottish football legend Denis Law, chat-show king Sir Michael Parkinson and comic icon Bill Bailey are among those backing the campaign.

Prostate Cancer UK charity partner Scotmid Co-operative, which recently smashed its £150,000 annual fundraising target for the charity within just 6 months, is also backing the campaign via a series of events at its stores throughout Scotland.

Men - and women - are encouraged to go online to search ‘Men United’ to get involved by testing their knowledge of the disease with a simple quiz, and signing for the team. They can also pledge their allegiance by proudly wearing the charity’s ‘Man of Men’ pin badge. To sign for Men United visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org/menunited

ENDS

Topics

  • Health Organisations

Categories

  • men united v prostate cancer
  • edinburgh marathon
  • fiona dunlop

Notes to Editors:

About Prostate Cancer UK’s involvement in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival:

Prostate Cancer UK has a team of 150 runners taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend and is aiming to raise over £50,000 from the event.

Men United – The Facts:

  • Men United v Prostate Cancer is Prostate Cancer UK’s call for men to join together in a movement against the common enemy of prostate cancer. The aim is to build a united front of men against this disease. We want to get the message out about the most common cancer in men in the UK, support men affected by it, and intensify the search for more reliable tests and treatments for the future.
  • Men, and the women in their lives, are being asked to sign for Men United by visiting www.prostatecanceruk.org/menunited where they can also test their health knowledge by taking a quick quiz.
  • The core audience is men over 45 who urgently need to know about this disease, and to do something about it. Men United is not exclusively for men. It is a movement for men, but women will be critical supporters and activists within it. The core idea is that men are very consciously facing their health and banding together to right a wrong.
  • Whether they’ve been diagnosed or are simply concerned about prostate cancer, men can find out about the disease at www.prostatecanceruk.org.
    • About Prostate Cancer UK:
  • Prostate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. We support men and provide vital information. We find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And we lead change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. We believe that men deserve better.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Every hour 1 man dies from prostate cancer. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. One in four black men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
  • Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can call Prostate Cancer UK's confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is free to landlines, staffed by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
    • ENDS

    To speak to Gemma and/or Glynis please call 01358 720 205 or email gubych@yahoo.co.uk

    For more information or prostate cancer or Prostate Cancer UK, please contact Alistair Haw, Campaigns & Media Manager, on 0141 314 0050 or email alistair.haw@prostatecanceruk.org