Burnley fan joins his heroes in prostate cancer fight

2:42pm Monday 6th December 2010

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A BURNLEY fan recovering from prostate cancer has joined forces with Clarets stars to raise awareness of the disease.

John Bickerstaffe, the face of the club’s Together campaign, is currently in remission having successfully fought the disease.

In the campaign, club skipper Graham Alexander and Wade Elliott have leant their support to the Prostate Cancer Charity in a bid to raise awareness of the symptoms and encourage male Clarets fans to get themselves checked out.

Mr Bickerstaffe said: “The thought of cancer could easily put men off being tested, but early diagnosis is absolutely paramount.

“Up to now three friends of mine have had their prostate removed and been given the all-clear as a direct result of listening to my plight.

“Two others have a higher than normal blood count and are being monitored.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK.

around 36,000 men are diagnosed every year and around 250,000 men are currently living with the disease.

During ‘Movember’ — the annual worldwide fundraiser where men grow a moustache to raise funds — Burnley FC club journalist Pete ‘Wing Commander’ Oliver raised £90 by sporting a dodgy tash for a whole month.

Mr Bickerstaffe, who was in the middle of chemotherapy when the Together poster picture was taken, has recently raised an impressive £2,265.07 for the charity by completing the great North run with son David and daughter Rachel.

Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate gland start to grow in an uncontrolled way. anyone worried about Prostate Cancer or their health should visit their GP for more information.

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