Horwich First Community Group have revealed they raised £3,566 from their sellout charity evening ‘The Real Full Monty’ which saw local lads strip off in aid of The Christie Testicular and Prostate Cancer research departments and a local Horwich Voluntary group.
One of the older members of the audience that evening, 77 year old Margeret Rotheram said: ”I wasn’t sure what to expect but all I can say is that I had a wonderful evening with my family and I enjoyed every minute. Having four grown up sons this charity evening brought it home to how important it is to create more awareness - as a mother I’ll be having a chat with each of them for sure.”
Kathy Lancaster who choreographed the dancers said: “Being asked to be a part of The Full Monty Team has been a fantastic experience and has taken my teaching of dance to another level.
"I even got my parents involved who where part of the spoof audition video we made. I really felt the evening brought the community together making us all much more aware of these types of men’s cancers which if caught in the early stages can be treated with a high success rate.
"Everyone involved worked so hard to make the show a huge success and the money raised is a testimony to all that hard work not to mention the generosity of all those who came to support us on the evening. I can't wait to be a part of the team in future fund raising events.”
Ben Watkinson who helped organise the charity event said: “ I am really proud of the team we got together, every single person who was involved is a unsung hero in my eyes. The fact that we raise just over £3,500 was the icing on he cake and again would not have happened without the generosity of the people who attend such a special event. We have had so much positive feedback about the evening its been rather humbling.”
A Horwich First Community spokesperson added: “The money raised will be divided equally between three very good causes. Two thirds will go to The Christie Testicular and Prostate Cancer Research departments and one-third will go towards funding special events in Horwich in the New Year.
"Over 40 people participated in bringing this charity event to life and we would like to thank each and every one of them, with special thanks to the RBS Bank at Parklands and their staff who volunteered through their RBS Community Cash Back Scheme.
"Horwich First Community group are already planning other events for the New Year which we hope will bring the community together and raise lots more money for local charities and voluntary groups.
“Finally, this event was also about creating awareness that both Testicular and Prostrate Cancers, if caught in the early stages can be cured. All we ask of everyone who came along – have that chat with your brothers, dads and granddads. We hope the Full Monty event will help break the ice, allowing you to have that conversation – so please go and have it for their sakes. Let’s be honest, us men are rubbish at this sort of thing and the occasional prod is all it takes.”
For more information on Testicular Cancer visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/symptoms/
For more information on Prostate Cancer visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/