Marks & Spencer raises over £155k for Prostate Cancer UK
Marks & Spencer has raised over £155,000 for Prostate Cancer UK as part of its campaign to encourage more men to get checked for the disease.
In February, the retailer launched a six week campaign with Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and Prostate Cancer UK with the aim of getting men to take a ‘brief check’ for prostrate cancer as it looked to also spark a nationwide conversation.
The campaign encouraged men to use Prostate Cancer UK’s online Risk Checker, a tool that enables men to find out their risk in 30 seconds and learn what they can do about it.
In just 40 days, over 180,000 men have completed the online risk checker, which is available on Prostate Cancer UK’s website. The tool was promoted by M&S via a QR code available in all of its clothing & home stores at point of sale and fitting rooms. It was also featured on the product listing webpages of men’s Autograph underwear on M&S.com.
Never Miss a Retail Update!According to Prostate Cancer UK, over 148,000 men who used the checker were deemed to be at higher risk of developing prostate cancer and were advised to speak to their GP to discuss having a PSA blood test.
The £180,00 was raised through the sale of over 40,000 packs of Autograph pants in the 40 day period with M&S donating £4 from the sale of every pack to Prostate Cancer UK.
Mitch Hughes, menswear director, clothing & home at M&S, said: “In just 40 days, together with our customers and colleagues, we have raised thousands of pounds to support Prostate Cancer UK’s ongoing research. But more than that, we have given men across the nation the confidence to take control and check their risk of prostate cancer.
“Back in February we set out to make a difference and get the nation talking. Today we know one in five men are now taking action to speak to their GP. I’m incredibly moved at the unwavering support we’ve had from our colleagues and customers who have got behind us throughout this campaign. There is so much more we know we need to do, this is just the beginning.”
