STAFF and players from Exeter City Football Club joined forces with officers from HMP Exeter to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK, as part of the national Prostate United challenge.

The initiative, which is the UK’s biggest grassroots football fundraiser, sees participants run, walk, or cycle every day in October to support life-saving prostate cancer research.

At HMP Exeter, a team of staff and prisoners from across the prison took on the challenge, clocking up the miles in the prison gym, and raising more than £1,100.

To show their support, a group of Exeter City players and staff made a special visit to the prison gym to join in one of the final fundraising fitness sessions and lend encouragement to those taking on the gruelling daily challenge.

The visit highlights the club’s strong commitment to community engagement and the power of sport to bring people together for a shared cause.

Prostate United began in 2018 and has since inspired more than 300 football staff from over 60 clubs and thousands of fans, raising more than £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK.

This year, the HMP Exeter officers are determined to add to that total – and hope their efforts will raise awareness of the most common cancer in men among their colleagues and the wider community.

Mike Reece, 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 said: “When we heard about the incredible effort from the prison 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 pleased 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: “From the Premier League and EFL down to grassroots level, football has been so influential in raising the profile of prostate cancer.

“Across the football industry, from the terraces to the touchlines, in board rooms and living rooms across the UK, as well as across pavements and parks, Prostate Cancer UK are uniting against the deadliest opponent of all.

“Whether signing-up as part of a team or going solo, every activity completed, and every pound raised by our fantastic fundraisers like the team at HMP Exeter helps fund lifesaving research into better tests and treatments to save men’s lives.”

To donate to the HMP Exeter fundraiser, visit this link.