The 22nd annual ICAP Charity Day on proved a big deal for Prostate Cancer UK as football star Mark Bright and his Men United team-mates helped raise a substantial sum for a pioneering and life-altering project.
The former Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday striker, and long-time ambassador for the charity attended a star-studded event in the City of London alongside Damian Lewis OBE, Ken Hom OBE, Denis Law OBE and Rudolph Walker OBE with proceeds helping to combat a disease that kills one man every hour.
Every year generous ICAP employees unite to donate all their revenue and commission on the day to elected charities – and Prostate Cancer UK were proud to play a part in the 2015 extravaganza. In total £8 million was raised worldwide.
HRH Prince Harry, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Helen Mirren spearheaded a stellar list of stars from showbusiness, sport and current affairs in the capital with the trading floor brimming with excitement.
And amid fun-filled and frenetic scenes throughout an unforgettable day, Bright [and all the celebrities] played a part in clinching some big deals on the phone, as well as mingling with staff.
Employees also got the chance to bid for a clutch of hugely desirable auction items such as signed merchandise, and press passes and training experiences at sports clubs, to further boost the fundraising pot.
Bright said: “Being a part of the ICAP Charity Day was up there with playing in an FA Cup final - the atmosphere was buzzing! As a black man my risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 1 in 4 – double the 1 in 8 risk faced by all men in the UK. But if we all get together this is a disease that we can beat. I urge you to sign for Men United and become part of the team fighting against prostate cancer.”
Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, said; “The ICAP Charity Day was genuinely an amazing day – the most amazing thing of all is that the money raised will fund an online tool for men, which will transform the way they can ask questions and take control of the disease.”
“The celebrities and staff played a vital role in generating what was an incredible day for everyone. Thank you very much to all those involved, and taking Men United to their hearts.”
Men living with prostate cancer can experience debilitating treatment side effects such as incontinence, impotence and depression, and embarrassment and fear make it difficult for them to ask for help. ICAP’s donation will enable the development of an online self help programme to help them cope with the disease and improve their quality of life privately.
Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or via the online Live chat, instant messaging service at www.prostatecanceruk.org. The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
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