Sheffield Wednesday are delighted to announce the return of Prostate Cancer UK as an official charity partner for the 2020-21 season.
The partnership will see the northern leg of the charity’s flagship bike ride, Football to Amsterdam, depart from Hillsborough in September 2021.
New Owls recruit Callum Paterson is right behind the message of raising awareness of prostate cancer, which is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK.
To that end, we proudly confirm that Paterson is the club’s newly-appointed ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK and the forward said:
“With prostate cancer on the rise it’s more important than ever for men to be aware of the risk and get themselves checked. This is why I’m proud that we have partnered with Prostate Cancer UK, because football clubs have a huge reach, and it’s vital to spread the message to men as far and wide as possible. 
“I hope, on the back of this, our male supporters look to get checked or even encourage people around them to do so, as that kind of intervention is just as important.”
Most men with early prostate cancer do not display symptoms, which is why Prostate Cancer UK is encouraging men most at risk to speak to their GP.
This includes men over 50, while black men and those with a family history of the illness should consider speaking to their doctor earlier, even from the age of 45.
One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer and 400,000 men are living with or after a diagnosis – numbers that continue to rise.
Prostate Cancer UK has launched an online risk checker, available HERE, where men can check their own risk in 30 seconds.
The partnership with SWFC has been praised by former Wednesday captain and England defender, Viv Anderson.
He said: “I’m delighted that Sheffield Wednesday have teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK for the season.
“I spent two happy seasons at Hillsborough, so to know the club will be working alongside a cause I believe so strongly in is fantastic.
“I’ve been an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK for many years now and the work they’ve done in that time - and continue to do - to raise the profile of the disease and support men and their families is excellent.
“But there’s still a lot more work to be done if we are to tackle this disease for good. One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, and it affects one in eight men in the UK, with that stat standing at one in four for black men.
“I hope that Owls fans will join me in supporting this great charity and helping to stop prostate cancer being a killer; whether that’s by wearing a Man of Men pin badge, donating or by taking part in their Football to Amsterdam bike ride.
“As a former Wednesday player, I’m sure the northern leg of the 2021 ride kicking off at Hillsborough will be a great occasion.” 
Matt Holdstock, Sport Engagement Manager at Prostate Cancer UK, added: “The football family continues to be a major player in the fight against prostate cancer, so we’re proud to continue our partnership with Sheffield Wednesday into a second season.
“The club has been extremely supportive of our work in the past and we are excited to continue connecting even more with Owls supporters to increase awareness of prostate cancer and fundraising to support vital research throughout the season.
"That continued support will help us change the game for all those affected by prostate cancer, men and their loved ones.”
*To find out more information about Prostate Cancer UK’s work in football click HERE or anyone with concerns about prostate cancer may contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or online via the Live Chat instant messaging service HERE
The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday, and 10.00am to 8.00pm on Wednesdays.