Moulton Masters score £5,000 boost for Prostate Cancer UK after marathon fundraiser

Moulton Masters Walking Football Club held the marathon event at Moulton on Saturday, July 4, with dozens of players and volunteers coming together in support of the charity. The fundraising total has already passed £5,000, with donations still being accepted until Wednesday, July 22.

Event organiser Pete McCrone said many members of the club had been affected by prostate cancer, making the cause particularly important.

He said: "All of us male walking footballers are men of a certain age, and a number of our members have benefited from the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. We were keen that our 12-hour walking football match not only raised much-needed funds but also encouraged men to become more aware of prostate cancer.

"We are absolutely delighted with the amount we've raised and are so grateful to everyone who donated and also to all the scores of volunteers who made the event happen."

The success of the fundraiser has already prompted calls from club members for it to become an annual event.

The match is also the first in a series of community health initiatives planned by Moulton Football Club. From September, the club will work with Moulton Parish Council to deliver health and wellbeing "team-talk" sessions focusing on prostate cancer, men's general health and mental health under the slogan "It's not just about football".

Jack Bacon, of Prostate Cancer UK, said the fundraising would help support the charity's work towards improving early diagnosis.

He said: "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. One in eight of our dads, brothers, grandads and mates will get it, and an early diagnosis can save your life. Right now, we still don't have a full screening programme, but thanks to the walking football community raising key funds we can take steps towards changing that."