The Man Mile

Everyone has heard of ‘Race for Life’, the women-only event helping raise money for Cancer Research UK. Now there is ‘Balls to Cancer’, the men-only event helping raise money for Testicular Cancer Awareness and Research (www.ballstocancer.com). On Sunday 20th May 2012, Sky Blues in the Community and Coventry City Council's Health Development Service are working together to host a Balls to Cancer Charity Run for males only at the Ricoh Arena, home of Coventry City Football Club. The aim of the Charity Run is to encourage as many males as possible from in and around Coventry to participate in a mile fun run, raising money for the ‘Balls to Cancer’ charity to help in the fight against Testicular Cancer. The day will consist of a series of 1 mile runs for all ages and fitness abilities around the pitch at the Ricoh Arena. There will be two Under 16’s runs (at 10:00am and 10:30am) and four Adult runs (11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm and 12:30pm). The run, dubbed 'The Man Mile', will cost £3.00 per Under 16 and £5.00 per Adult to enter. This is a great opportunity for males in Coventry to really engage with the home of Coventry City Football Club like they haven't before. Participants will be the stars in view being cheered on to complete their mile. As this event is at the football stadium, we are encouraging all those who enter to wear a football shirt for the run they choose to participate in – whether that is a local football team kit or a supported team like CCFC! Sky Blues in the Community have great support for this event from a number of partners. Former CCFC Player, Dietmar Bruck is a Tesco Community Champion and is in full support of the Charity Run. Due to this partnership, Tesco will generously be providing resources for this event - bottles of water and bananas for participants. National Men's Health Week 2012 (11th-17th June) is promoting Active and Healthy Hearts. This run, is not only encouraging males to help raise money for the awareness and research of Testicular Cancer but it is to encourage males to get active and look after their heart. In Coventry, statistics show that on average, men live shorter lives than women - so supporting men to look after themselves is imperative. Testicular Cancer incidence in the UK is rising and has doubled in Britain since the mid-1970’s, most commonly affecting young to middle-aged men. Former CCFC Player, John Hartson famously battled Testicular Cancer and was guilty of ignoring the signs. He admits that if he knew how easy it was to get checked, he probably would not have had to go through much of his traumatic treatment. So, keep your eye on the ball and help the fight against Testicular Cancer by signing up for a 1 mile run today. For more information or to sign up for a run please contact Sky Blues in the Community, Phone: 02476786313, Text: 07891065449 or Email inform@ccfc.co.uk Your support will make a big difference!