Prostate Cancer UK celebrates men in new national campaign

Ally Clarke and Phil Kissi MBE talk about how they’ve represented black men

PROSTATE CANCER UK’s latest brand campaign, Men, we are with you, aims to remind viewers of what we love about men, and what we would miss if we lost them.

At the heart of their new campaign sits a national TV advert featuring powerful clips and images of men doing things both ordinary and extraordinary, with a focus on great moments in things they do every day.

Among these men is Ally Clarke, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010. Ally said: “When Prostate Cancer UK asked me to be a part of their brand campaign, there was only going to be one answer. I’m over the moon that I feature in the charity’s advert and have no doubt that their campaign will help raise much needed awareness of prostate cancer.”

Before he was diagnosed Ally didn’t know that black men have an increased risk of getting the disease. One in four black men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and one in 12 will die from the disease – double the risk faced by all men. Other risk factors include men over 50 and men with a family history of the disease.

Ally continued: “I hope that my presence in the advert will encourage more black men to speak to their GP about their increased risk of prostate cancer.”

Alongside the TV ad, Prostate Cancer UK created an installation on London’s Southbank – aimed at urging the public to celebrate the men in their lives and take action to help beat the most common cancer in men.

Men whose lives have been affected by prostate cancer were invited to feature inside the eye-catching display which resembled a giant savings jar, highlighting the charity’s belief that all men are worth saving.

Several black men affected by prostate cancer stood inside the jar, reinforcing the message about their increased risk. Amongst them was Phil Kissi, 61, from London.

Phil was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and has since been successfully treated. He said: “It’s important that we take this opportunity to make a point of celebrating men, because we are important to our loved ones. I wanted to take part to shine a light on this disease because it’s vital to raise awareness of this issue, especially in the black communities where the risk is higher.”

The TV ad which debuted on ITV in May will continue to be aired through June and July, then repeated from September to October and again next year.

People who want to celebrate and commemorate loved ones and help raise vital funds for research and support services are being urged to sign up to one of Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship March for Men walking events this summer. Search marchformen.org to sign up.

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