Football League Announce Official Charity Partner

Last updated : 21 December 2011 By Covsupport News Service

The Prostate Cancer Charity has been selected as The Football League's Official Charity Partner for the 2012/13 season.

The announcement follows a vote by more than 65,000 Football League fans, club Chief Executives and Football League staff who selected their preferred charity from a shortlist of six

The six shortlisted charities were: Anthony Nolan, British Heart Foundation, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, NSPCC, The Prostate Cancer Charity and St John Ambulance.

Greg Clarke, Chairman of The Football League said: "Congratulations to The Prostate Cancer Charity on their selection as our 2012/13 Official Charity Partner.

"The competition was extremely tough again this year, with all six shortlisted organisations presenting very worthy causes and specialised plans to engage with all 72 Football League communities.

"I would like to thank all those who took the time to vote. I'm sure that Football League fans up and down the country will continue the incredible support they have shown our chosen charities over the last three seasons."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men; killing one man every hour, every day. And there are a quarter of a million men in the UK currently dealing with the disease.

The Prostate Cancer Charity's specialist nurses support thousands of men with the disease whilst the charity also invests in vital scientific research.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of the Charity, said: "This is the biggest cancer in men and football is the biggest sport for reaching and involving men. So, partnering with The Football League is an incredible opportunity for us to reach and support thousands of football-mad men who will face this cancer.

"To put it into a match day context, between the time a supporter goes through the turnstile, watches the game, gets a half-time cuppa, and then leaves the ground after the final whistle, two men have died from prostate cancer. That is why we are so grateful to be able to work with The Football League and its 72 Clubs and Communities to raise funds and help us fight this disease."

As the Official Charity Partner, The Prostate Cancer Charity will receive exposure across all League clubs, raising awareness and funds. There will also be a dedicated week of action in 2013 and presence at each of the five Football League Finals.

Ex-footballer - turned broadcaster, Mark Bright, has backed the Charity's bid from the start. He says: "This is a massive result for The Prostate Cancer Charity - I'm so proud to be a committed ambassador. This disease kills one man every hour, but not enough people know about it. For so many people - prostate cancer is just not on their radar.

"This partnership means so much because we will be reaching the men on the terraces with a message we need to drive home. It will also raise vital funds, so the Charity can reach more men with its specialist nurses, information and support. 2012 is such a big year for everyone connected with The Prostate Cancer Charity. Get in!"

The relationship next season will build on the success of previous partnerships with Help for Heroes, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the current partner Help the Hospice.

For more information on The Prostate Cancer Charity, please visit: http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk