In a touching tribute to the legendary fast bowler Bob Willis, a group of England’s cricketing heroes recently stepped up to the crease in the fight against prostate cancer by attending our Fighting Prostate Cancer clinic.
The Professional Cricketers Association’s (PCA) Past Player Event, held in partnership with the Bob Willis Fund, became a platform for reminiscing about glorious sporting moments and for a crucial health message.
Accompanied by Matron Cliff Hodgkins from North West Anglia NHS Trust we had the opportunity to offer insights into the importance of early detection and providing free PSA blood tests and physical examinations.
Household names in the cricketing world didn’t hesitate to take advantage of this unique opportunity. It was a heartwarming sight to see these sporting giants, who once captivated the nation with their on-field heroics, now batting for a cause that affects countless men.
The event was held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club and was hosted by the charismatic Mark Butcher. It also served as a fundraiser for the Bob Willis Fund, which supports vital research into prostate cancer.
Bob Willis, a cricketing legend known for his fiery spirit and insightful commentary, tragically succumbed to prostate cancer in December 2019. His legacy lives on through the fund that bears his name and through initiatives like this one, which aim to create a lasting impact in the fight against this disease.
Since its launch, The Bob Willis Fund has raised £1.2 million to find a better and earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer and support families through grief.
We were further privileged to have a prostate cancer stand at the England versus West Indies cricket match in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 27 July 2024 as part of Blue for Bob Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to get the message to the people.
The ‘Fighting Prostate Cancer’ campaign has already screened thousands of men and detected numerous cancer cases. The presence of this campaign at a high-profile cricket event further amplifies its reach and underscores the importance of raising awareness in all walks of life.
As the summer unfolds, we will continue their tireless efforts with a community-led mobile clinic, taking their message of early detection to communities across the UK. It’s a fitting tribute to Bob Willis and a powerful reminder that we can all play a part in tackling this disease head-on.
