Exeter City and HMP Exeter unite for men’s health challenge

Players and staff from Exeter City Football Club have teamed up with prison officers from HMP Exeter to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK, joining forces for a cause that has united communities across the country.

The collaboration was part of Prostate United, the UK’s biggest grassroots football fundraiser, which encourages participants to run, walk, or cycle every day throughout October to support life-saving research into prostate cancer.

At HMP Exeter, a dedicated group of staff and prisoners took on the challenge together, clocking up miles in the prison gym and raising more than £1,100 in the process.

To mark the end of the month-long challenge, Exeter City players and club staff made a special visit to the prison gym, joining in one of the final workouts and cheering on those who had been training daily.

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Prostate United began in 2018 and has since grown into a nationwide movement, involving more than 300 football staff from over 60 clubs and inspiring thousands of fans. Together, participants have raised more than £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK.
The HMP Exeter team hopes their own efforts will not only add to that total but also spark vital conversations about men’s health within the prison and the wider Exeter community.

Mike Reece, a physical education instructor at HMP Exeter, said: “We’re proud to be part of Prostate United and even prouder to have been joined by Exeter City for this special event. It was a brilliant opportunity to unite through sport for a cause that affects so many men. The club’s support means a great deal to everyone here taking on the challenge.”

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell praised the prison officers’ efforts, saying: “When we heard about the incredible work being done by the officers at HMP Exeter, we wanted to show our support.”

“Prostate cancer affects thousands of men every year, and initiatives like Prostate United are such a powerful way to raise awareness. Our players and staff were proud to take part and to stand alongside the officers in their fundraising mission.”
Seren Evans, head of events and community fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said football continues to play a vital role in fighting the disease.

“From the Premier League and EFL down to grassroots level, football has been so influential in raising the profile of prostate cancer,” she said.

“Every mile completed and every pound raised by fundraisers like the team at HMP Exeter helps fund life-saving research into better tests and treatments to save men’s lives.”