MSP backs betting shop campaign to tackle killer disease

Christina McKelvie MSP is backing a campaign in betting shops to raise awareness about a disease which kills almost 1000 men a year in Scotland.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men, with one in eight men likely to get the disease at some point in their lives. However, it can often be successfully treated if caught early enough. Awareness of risk is a man’s chief defence against the disease. 

William Hill, one of the largest retail bookmakers in Scotland, is partnering with Prostate Cancer UK and industry trade association ABB Scotland this summer in a bid to provide potentially lifesaving information and support to men at risk of developing the disease.

Throughout the campaign, which runs until the end of August, prostate cancer information and leaflets will be available within all 310 William Hill shops in Scotland. Volunteers from Prostate Cancer UK, who have lived or are currently living with the disease, will also visit shops and talk to staff and customers about their own experiences.

On hand to raise further awareness was local SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Christina McKelvie, who visited her local William Hill shop in Fairhill, Hamilton.

Commenting, Christina McKelvie MSP said:

“I was delighted to join forces with Prostate Cancer UK and their campaign with William Hill to ensure more men are aware of the dangers of prostate cancer.

“In Scotland, 1000 men die every year from the disease. Early prevention and diagnosis is incredibly vital in stopping the spread of prostate cancer.

“Cancer is cruel and indiscriminate – but it can be prevented. Thanks to the great work of Prostate Cancer UK and their awareness and prevention campaign, more men will survive this cruel disease.

Gerard McMahon, Change Delivery Officer for Prostate Cancer UK, said:

“Prostate Cancer UK’s ambition is to stop men dying from prostate cancer and to achieve this it is crucial to reach as many men as possible to help raise awareness of their risk. Partnering with William Hill provides an opportunity to get these important health messages out to many men in Scotland whilst raising funds too.

“We thank Christina McKelvie MSP for raising awareness of the disease in for her commitment to the cause and for spreading awareness throughout Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. We look forward to engaging with more men across the whole of Scotland over the next few months to help beat this disease.”

Garry Fenton, William Hill Scotland Manager said: “It is a privilege for William Hill to be partnering with Prostate Cancer UK, who do such vital work in tackling the disease. We have a significant presence in Scotland and using our network of shops we have a real opportunity to raise awareness of a cancer which is now the third biggest killer in the UK.