For Leeds United fan John Brownless football has always been a passion.
But since his diagnosis with prostate cancer at just 42, it has also become a powerful platform - a way to bring people together and save lives.
He has supported Prostate Cancer UK for over a decade and has raised more than £200,000 through a variety of fundraising including a series of golf, walking, and cycling events.
John visited Unit’s Thorp Arch training ground under the ruse of a photoshoot - but little did he know the first team squad were waiting in the wings to thank him for his efforts.
They presented him with a signed shirt as a thank you for raising money.
John Brownless pictured with Leeds star Sam Byram at Thorp Arch.placeholder image
John Brownless pictured with Leeds star Sam Byram at Thorp Arch. | Prostate Cancer UK
John said: “Meeting the squad was a real privilege, and the players and staff couldn’t have been more welcoming.
“Their support means the world, and moments like this remind you how powerful football can be in bringing people together to back a brilliant cause.”
He added: “I’ve had grown men charge across the golf course and thank me.
“Many have told me they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer but that they are having treatment. They are so grateful.”
Leeds defender Sam Byram said: “It was brilliant to meet John at Thorp Arch and hear about his amazing fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK. For him to have raised so much money and awareness for such an important cause, all while dealing with a diagnosis himself, is truly inspirational.
“It was a real eye-opener to learn the stats around prostate cancer and how it’s now the most common cancer in the UK, so I hope more Leeds fans will follow John’s lead and back Prostate Cancer UK.
“The charity’s work in football over the years, like Prostate United, has made a real impact, and as a club, we’re proud to stand with Prostate Cancer UK and men like John.”
Seren Evans, senior head of mass fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 64,000 men diagnosed each year.
“But it’s completely curable if found early, so awareness really can be a lifesaver. We’re so grateful for the dedication of John and so many others across the UK, who help Prostate Cancer UK raise that awareness, and raise funds towards ground-breaking research to stop this disease damaging the lives of men and their loved ones.
“Everyone who supports Prostate Cancer UK has their own story, some heart-breaking and others heart-warming, but all united with a common aim to see a world where men’s lives are not limited by prostate cancer.
“We thank John for going that extra mile for so many years and helping to save men’s lives, and we’re also hugely grateful to everyone at Leeds United for giving him a day to remember.”
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