Our 2025 Fans Walk in aid of prostate cancer took place on 15 August with Mick Harford, Gary Bennett and friends. Join us again in 2026 when it will be even bigger
Former Sunderland AFC stars lead football fans on a walk across the city to raise funds for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Ex-SAFC captain Gary Bennett and former Black Cats player Mick Harford joined over 150 fans on a group walk across Sunderland to raise awareness of prostate cancer and support families with experiences of the disease.
A sea of specially designed shirts – donated by Keepmoat – was seen marching along the Roker Seafront on Friday 15th August, as fans completed two fundraising walks covering 9 miles as part of The Fans Walk to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
The Fans Museum created The Fans Walk back in 2022 as part of its ongoing work to raise awareness of prostate cancer and other diseases. The museum is renowned for its ongoing commitment to fundraising for local charities while hosting projects throughout the year to support people’s wellbeing, health, education and employment opportunities.
While proceeds continue to rise, the final funds will be donated to South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Urology Department, which continues to shine as one of the UK’s best departments for patient care and experience.
Cancer Research states that 150 new prostate cancer cases are recorded every day, with 55,100 new cases of prostate cancer recorded every year. Since the early 1990s, prostate cancer incidence rates have increased by more than half (53%) in males in the UK.
Gary Bennett was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023. After receiving life-saving treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital, he has been involved from the outset of the initiative, alongside The Fans Museum, to engage with communities across Sunderland by encouraging people to get tested.
Gary Bennett MBE said:
“It’s hugely important that the likes of me and Mick use our profile as a platform to get the message out there that people need to go and get checked out. The Fans Walk is a superb opportunity for people to open up and talk about their situations or any concerns they may have.
“I didn’t have any signs of prostate cancer. My wife encouraged me to go for a test and I discovered I had it. One in eight men develops prostate cancer, this statistic increases to one in four people of black ethnicity.”
“Since I came out and explained my situation, I’ve been contacted by many people who’ve said they have been to get tested. Many of the people who’ve taken part in the previous walks have also said they went and booked in for a PSA test afterwards.”
“The staff at Sunderland Royal did save my life, as did being encouraged by my wife to go and get a test. It’s important to have conversations about prostate cancer and to get a test – it could save your life.”
Michael Ganley, Founder of The Fans Museum, said:
“Gary and Mick are both Sunderland football legends, having contributed massively both on and off the field. Having high-profile people who are willing to share their story is one of the most powerful ways to help change men’s mindsets. We’re so grateful for their time and support.”
“The Fans Walk has been growing exponentially since we created it three years ago. It’s an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to stand shoulder to shoulder with others and show support for those with experiences of prostate cancer. It’s a chance for men to speak and have the confidence to both share their concerns and to support other people.
“I’d like to thank all the people who joined us on The Fans Walk. Plus, a mention for Ian Worgan at Keepmoat Homes for his amazing contribution to supplying and donating the t-shirts for the day. It’s great to have so many fantastic members of the community coming together to support one another.”
Ian Worgan, Regional Managing Director at KeepMoat, North East, added:
“Keepmoat is proud to support The Fans Walk and the incredible work being done to raise awareness of prostate cancer. As a company, we’re driven to go beyond bricks and mortar and make a real difference to our local communities.
“Seeing the community come together, united in purpose and wearing the shirts donated is a reminder that awareness holds a lot of power in these causes. We hope this initiative encourages more men to get tested and sparks important conversations about prostate cancer across Sunderland and the North East.”
The Fans Museum continues to fundraise for a wide variety of charitable causes across the city. Those wishing to support The Fans Walk can donate at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-fans-walk
Our 2024 Fans Walk took place on 4th October when we once again embarked on another walk to raise awareness of prostate cancer and funds to support research into the disease. Mick Harford, Gary Bennett and other former players joined many fans on the walk. Join us again in 2025 when it will be even bigger
You can donate to the Crowdfunder here
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-rons-march-for-prostate-cancer
Please note the tip to Crowdfunder is completely optional. You can put any amount including 0 (for no tip) by clicking enter custom amount. Please put ‘Sunderland Walk’ in the comments
This follows on from last years successful walk
