Jockeys #KnowThyNuts campaign

Movember has teamed up with three of horse racing’s brightest stars to raise awareness of testicular cancer, the most common cancer amongst young men.

The initiative forms part of a new agreement which sees Movember become the official charity partner of QIPCO British Champions Series which showcases the UK’s finest Flat racing.

As part of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in April, three of the most talented young jockeys in the weighing room – Oisin Murphy (23); Charlie Bishop (25) and Tom Marquand (21) – stripped off to highlight the fact that the best place for men to check themselves for the disease is in the shower.

Tom Marquand, former Stobart Champion Apprentice Jockey said, “It’s shocking to think that almost two-thirds of 18-34 year old men don’t know that they’re in the most at-risk age group for this disease. It’s so important that men know their risk and check themselves regularly. Anything that we can do to raise that awareness is really positive.”   

The partnership will seek to raise awareness of these issues amongst race fans and the hundreds of thousands of people who follow the QIPCO British Champions Series racedays each year, as well as contributing to Movember’s vital fundraising efforts.

Jockey Oisin Murphy who helped to launch the partnership said, “As lads in the weighing room and in all walks of life there is always a lot of banter but it can sometimes be hard to really talk to people about the serious health issues that affect men. We know to our cost that mental health issues, in particular have affected many in racing, so I think this is a brilliant partnership which will hopefully bring some of these things out in the open and help people get the support they need. I am proud to be a part of it.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series said, “We are proud to partner with such a brilliant charity as Movember. The issues that Movember addresses touch all our lives – whether it’s related to a brother, son, father, friend, husband or partner who has been affected by cancer or mental health issues. Through this partnership, which is the first of its kind for QIPCO British Champions Series, we will be supporting Movember’s vital work in tackling the biggest health issues facing men and in raising awareness to help stop men from dying too young.”

Owen Sharp, CEO of Movember said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with QIPCO British Champions Series, and for their support during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. The fact that so many men are unaware that they are in the highest-risk age group is very worrying. There’s a widespread assumption that it’s a disease that predominantly affects older men but that’s just not the case. Testicular cancer strikes young so checking your nuts regularly and knowing what to look for is crucial.”