Dons boss Neilson backs Man of Men campaign to prevent prostate cancer

The Dons chief and Premier League bosses Sean Dyche (Burnley), Mark Hughes (Stoke City), Slaven Bilic (West Ham United), Chris Hughton (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Craig Shakespeare (Leicester City) have teamed up with their contemporaries from the English Football League (EFL), League Manager’s Association (LMA) and Prostate Cancer UK. Together they are condemning the deadly disease in a series of passionate – and life-saving – messages as part of a high-profile campaign to tackle the most common cancer in men.

Shocking figures show that two men will die during the length of a football match, reinforcing the need to take action now against the disease.

As well as speaking out about the issue, football managers, many of whom have been directly affected by the disease, will be wearing Prostate Cancer UK’s iconic ‘Man of Men’ pin badge on the touchline during the 2017/18 campaign as the leading men’s charity cranks up the serious message.

The Scotsman said: “The statistics certainly surprised me - one man dying every 45 minutes from this disease, and two for every game, is really alarming and we need to turn it around.

“Wearing the Man of Men pin badge is a great way to support Prostate Cancer UK’s tireless work to make this a disease that men and their families no longer need fear, but there is much more to do.

“I know MK Dons have always supported the charity’s work, through bike rides, walks and darts evenings, and it’s an honour to carry on backing them as they strive to make positive strides to beat this opponent for good.”

Neilson is among more than 25 managers to pledge his support across the football landscape, while Dyche and Championship duo Simon Grayson (Sunderland) and Dean Smith (Brentford) have personal connections with the disease.

Angela Culhane, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “For many years now Prostate Cancer UK has teamed up with the football family and seeing so many managers proudly wearing our Man of Men pin badge sends out a really passionate message about what we stand for.

“These managers deliver crucial team talks every matchday, and we are proud to stand side by side with them against the deadliest opponent of all, prostate cancer.

“One man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes; it’s the most common cancer in men - but we can turn it around.

“From the Premier League and our ground-breaking partnership with the EFL to the grass roots game and some legendary names, football has proved to be an incredibly effective way of driving home our messages in a variety of ways to fans, players and club officials, many of whom previously had no idea about the dangers of the disease.

“We thank all the managers, clubs and supporters for their continued support; for marching for men, for cycling to Amsterdam, for collecting on match days and for sporting our iconic badge. United against prostate cancer, we can make this disease something the next generation of men need not fear.”

To show your support and get a Prostate Cancer UK ‘Man of Men’ pin badge to wear with pride, text BADGE to 70004 to donate £5* and help stop prostate cancer being a killer. For information about the badge and the charity’s work in football visit prostatecanceruk.org/whostheman.

* Text costs £5 plus network charge. Prostate Cancer UK receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 0800 082 1616. Charity No 1005541.