Legends of football from the League Manager’s Association have come together to support Prostate Cancer’s latest life saving campaign in which they pledge, “Men, we are with you.”

Names such as Alan Shearer, Gary Neville, Les Ferdinand, Mick McCarthy and Alex McLeish have worn the famous Prostate Cancer UK ‘Men of Men’ pin and starred in a new video which celebrates what’s great about men – and what we lose when a man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer.

One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK.

That's why we're calling on football fans everywhere to join the biggest team in football. Are you in? 👊 ⚽️

RT this video and get involved 👇 https://t.co/cib3NOPQat#MenWeAreWithYou @LMA_Managers pic.twitter.com/rLAAu6m6mU

— Prostate Cancer UK (@ProstateUK) July 30, 2019

The LMA raised £10,000 at their Annual Awards Dinner and will be fundraising throughout the upcoming season in order to fund a specialist nurse to support anyone concerned or affected by prostate cancer.

Said Shearer of the campaign, “One man dying every 45 minutes with prostate cancer is staggering. I didn’t realise the statistic was that high. That is worrying.

We all know about our responsibilities and our role in football to send out key messages because we’re aware of how many people actually watch the game, both in the stadium and on TV. So, football is hugely important for us all to send a message, to wear the badge.”

Gary Neville, who was in the England set-up when former goalkeeper and coach Ray Clemence was diagnosed with prostate cancer, added: “We’ve seen in the last 20 years the power of football in terms of its influence and how it can raise awareness of many different campaigns.

This is the badge I see most on the managers up and down the country when I’m covering games. So many managers wear this badge, which always makes you stop and think and gives you perspective that although you are playing and watching football, people are suffering from this disease. The fact that people in prominent positions in football can have such an influence is really helpful.”

QPR Director of Football Les Ferdinand talked about the hereditary risks, saying, “Prostate cancer is something that I’ve been aware about for a while now. My family are all ok, my dad’s recovered, my uncles have recovered.  Unfortunately, my grandad didn’t recover, but that’s caused me to take more of an interest. I go and see my doctor every year now, whereas in the past, until I was made acutely aware of it, I probably didn’t.”

Meanwhile Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane said: “Our relationship with the LMA is hugely important. The influence of so many leading figures in football getting behind us makes a real difference in the fight against prostate cancer, and this video sends out a powerful message about the dangers of this disease.

It’s humbling to see so many managers wearing our ‘Man of Men’ pin badge on touchlines up and down the country, and the added engagement in players, club staff and supporters involved in our events such as our match day collections, our charity cycle rides and our March for Men walking events has been phenomenal. We look forward to our partnership continuing for many years to come.”

Earlier this year Prostate Cancer UK launched their new campaign, ‘Men, we are with you’, to celebrate everything great about men and highlight the special moments we lose when a man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer.

To watch the film and find out more about Prostate Cancer UK’s work in football, including how to buy a Man of Men pin badge and take part in Jeff’s Stelling’s March for Men, visit prostatecanceruk.org/football.