Scotmid and Prostate Cancer UK have raised a record £280,000 for pioneering research and awareness programmes
A charity partnership between a supermarket and cancer charity has raised nearly double its £150,000 target.
Prostate Cancer UK’s coffers have been boosted by £280,000 thanks to Scotmid Cooperative.
The partnership is the most successful in the supermarket’s history.
To raise a record amount for Prostate Cancer UK is absolutely outstanding - It was the first time we have partnered with a charity representing a cancer that only affects men
It raised funds through selling over 15,400 charity pin badges, information stands in stores and various events across the country.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said the money will be put towards extensive awareness and research programmes aimed at saving the lives of more men with prostate cancer, the most common male cancer in Scotland.
He added: “The staff, members and customers of Scotmid Co-operative have put their heart and soul into this partnership, and the results are there for all to see.
“Prostate Cancer UK is determined to make this terrible disease a thing of the past, and this record breaking sum will help us take another significant step towards this ultimate destination. We cannot thank Scotmid enough for its incredible support.”
The visibility of the partnership in all Scotmid outlets is said to have been hugely beneficial in getting men and their loved ones talking about the disease.
At present almost nine in 10 men in Scotland at higher risk of prostate cancer are unaware of their increased vulnerability and are therefore not having the vital conversations with GPs that could save their lives.
Of the money raised £150,000 will go towards an awareness programme to help tackle this problem by educating more men about their risk of the disease. The remaining £130,000 will be put into pioneering prostate cancer research.
John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid Co-operative, said: “To raise a record amount for Prostate Cancer UK is absolutely outstanding. It was the first time we have partnered with a charity representing a cancer that only affects men, but our staff were more than up to this new challenge.
“The vital work, and the very real difference that Prostate Cancer UK makes to thousands of men and their families affected by prostate cancer, has inspired our team to go above and beyond all previous fundraising achievements.”
