Prostate United returns for sixth season and aims to break £500k
Former Rotherham United colleagues Stephen Gilpin and Ross Burbeary embarked on the first Prostate United challenge together
Written by Simon Austin — September 12, 2023
PROSTATE UNITED is back for a sixth season and is aiming to break the £500,000 barrier.
The challenge was launched by Stephen Gilpin in November 2018 and has brought together more than 300 backroom staff from more than 60 clubs to run, cycle or walk every day of the month.
Managers Paul Heckingbottom, Paul Warne and Grant McCann are among those to have taken part and £340,000 has so far been raised for Prostate Cancer UK.
Peterborough United, Sheffield United and Rotherham United have regularly contributed teams of more than 20 staff and in 2021 Luton Town had more than 60 involved in support of club legend Mick Harford, who is living with prostate cancer.
The Hatters even teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK that November, with the charity becoming the official shirt sponsor for their Championship clash against Cardiff City.
This year, football fans are also being invited to join their club staff and take on either a daily walk, run, or bike ride. In another first for the challenge, Prostate United will take place in October this year, a month earlier than previous editions.
Gilpin, who recently joined Wolves as Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine, was inspired to support Prostate Cancer UK in 2018 after losing his grandfather, Norman, to the disease in 2010.
Joined by friend and former Rotherham United colleague Ross Burbeary, who is now Head of Performance at Derby County, he set off on a month-long challenge to run 10km every day in November.
“Prostate United has grown beyond our wildest expectations,” Gilpin said. “We feel that as a collective now it has a unique place on the football calendar, where we all come together as the Prostate United family to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
“In pre-season in 2018, the gaffer actively encouraged the group to discuss inspirational stories or personalities that have impacted our lives. I chose to speak about my grandad, who lost a brave battle with prostate cancer. He played a huge part in my life and the discussion raised a motivation and ambition to emulate this great man in any way I can.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and knowing that has certainly drove us all on over the years and we’re delighted that the football family is coming together once more for a fantastic charity that’s close to my heart.
“We’re really excited for the 2023 edition of Prostate United,” Gilpin added. “We’ve got a clear goal this year of trying to reach £500,000, which would be a massive milestone for the challenge.”
To join the 2023 Prostate United squad click here
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