Friday 2 December 2005
Testicular cancer survivor and former football league club physiotherapist, Simon Shakeshaft, will be kicking off a ‘Ground Hop’ challenge at this Saturday’s FA Cup match between Shrewsbury Town and Colchester United to raise awareness of male cancer. Starting at Gay Meadow, Simon plans to visit as many clubs as possible over the remainder of the season, giving awareness talks to players, staff and fans about testicular and prostate cancer.
Simon has been a local fundraiser for a campaign called Keep Your Eye On The Ball, which was set up by The PFA, The FA and The Everyman Male Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of male cancer within the football community. It was set-up four years ago after several high profile players were diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Simon will return later in the season to talk to players and staff at Shrewsbury Town FC to warn them about the signs and symptoms to look out for. He plans to watch the 2nd round FA Cup tie against Colchester, with former Shrewsbury Town player Tony Kelly, guest of honour at this Saturday’s match and Simon’s companion on his journey around the country.
“It seems really appropriate to be starting my ground hop challenge at Shrewsbury Town, my last league club, where I worked as a physio. They, as a club, have always been very supportive of “Keep Your Eye On The Ball” and I would like to thank them once again, for their continued efforts” commented Simon, “It’s important to raise awareness of male cancer, particularly testicular cancer, because if caught early enough it is 99% curable. Through the vehicle of football, it’s an excellent way of making men and their partners aware of the symptoms, and therefore literally saving lives.”
Between now and this seasons FA Cup Final, Simon will attempting to visit all 92 Premier and Football League clubs around the country in order to complete his “ground hop challenge”.
In the time it takes to play one 90 minute game of football, more than one man in the UK will have died of prostate cancer. That’s why Keep Your Eye On The Ball calls upon clubs and fans across the country to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular and prostate cancer and also raise money to help fund vital research.
-Ends-
For further information about male cancer and the campaign visit: www.keepyoureyeontheball.org
To speak to Simon about his ground hop challenge please call his mobile 07970 659819
To speak to someone from the Keep Your Eye On The Ball campaign please call Charlotte Muskett on 020 7153 5312 or email: charlotte.muskett@icr.ac.uk
Note to Editors:
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer to affect men between the ages of 15-45
- The good news is that if caught early enough, over 99% of cases of testicular cancer are curable, which is why it is important for men to check themselves regularly and visit a GP straight away if they notice any changes
- Prostate cancer has now overtaken lung cancer as the most common cancer in men, and it tends to affect men over the age of 50
- In the time it takes to play one game of football, more than one man in the UK will have died of prostate cancer
- Symptoms to look out for
These symptoms do not mean you have cancer and may well relate to another much less serious problem. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, go and see your GP as soon as you can:
Testicular Cancer
- A lump in either testicle
- Any enlargement of the testicles
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Growth or tenderness of the upper chest
Prostate Cancer
- Difficulty in urinating
- Delays in urinating
- Stopping and starting urinating
- A weak stream of urine
- Urinating more often than usual
- Pain whilst urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back and hips