Doncaster Rovers have raised more money than any other team for Prostate United in the last three years
Doncaster Rovers have already raised more than £18,000 through their involvement in the Prostate United challenge, with the club currently sitting fourth among all the teams taking part this month.
Rovers boss Grant McCann is among those involved completing daily 5k runs as part of the fundraising effort, with club legend James Coppinger also taking part.
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Doncaster Rovers have raised more money than any other team for Prostate United in the last three yearsplaceholder image
Doncaster Rovers have raised more money than any other team for Prostate United in the last three years | Media Library
And while McCann admits the challenge is demanding, particularly from a mental perspective, but says the support between those involved is helping to keep everyone going.
“It is tough and it's tough on everybody, just mentally more than anything, really,” said McCann. “But you just get through it, don't you? You get through it and we'll keep pushing.”
Doncaster Rovers have raised more money than any other team in the last three seasons and are firmly in contention to repeat the feat although they currently trail Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool as things stand.
The campaign has brought together teams and participants throughout the EFL to raise money and awareness, with the Rovers contingent having already passed the £18,000 mark, leaving them in a Champions League position.
McCann believes further support can make a real difference to the campaign's ultimate goal of helping find better solutions and, ultimately, a cure.
“The more support you can give all of us and help us just keep trying to find a solution and a cure sort of thing for this, because it means everything,” he said.
For McCann, the challenge is not about trying to post the quickest times or competing with the other staff members although he admits one member of the team is excelling by recording personal bests of under 20 minutes.
“It's not competitive for me,” he said. “I'm too old for that sort of stuff. It's more about getting the run completed rather than a time.
“Tom Malkin, our analyst, has done every run so far in under 20 minutes. Often less than 19 minutes or something like that so far. So he is absolutely flying.”
The support within the group has also become an important part of the challenge, with participants encouraging each other through running apps and social media.
McCann added. “We keep pushing each other along.
“We keep liking each other's Stravas and giving everybody a thumbs up and just keep grinding through.”
He believes reaching the second week provides an important psychological boost for those taking part.
“Once you get into that second week, you're downhill,” he said. “So we'll keep pushing.”