Encouraging men to talk about testicular cancer and regularly self-check was the purpose of a drop-in event held in the Houses of Parliament last week at which Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams hosted Bangor University OddBalls Ambassador, Alex Neal.
The OddBalls Foundation is the UK’s leading testicular cancer charity, delivering free awareness sessions in schools, workplaces, and sports clubs and educating men about the basics of testicular cancer and the importance of regular self-checking.
Bangor University is one of fifty universities across the UK who have and OddBalls University Ambassador, delivering over 1,000 awareness sessions, reaching more than 150,000 people each year.
Alex, who is studying for a BSc in Wildlife Conservation at Bangor, visits schools, colleges and workplaces across north Wales to raise awareness of testicular cancer and promote the work of the OddBalls Foundation.
Testicular cancer is the most prominent cancer in men aged 15-49, with around 2,400 new cases in the UK every year – that’s more than 6 every day. However, if detected early, testicular cancer is the most curable of all cancers.
Attendees at the event included Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP and former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Stephen Crabb MP.
Bangor University OddBalls Student Ambassador, Alex Neal said:
‘I had a great visit to Westminster to raise awareness of testicular cancer to a group of MPs and Peers, and a massive thanks to Hywel for helping organise and recognising the importance of the message we send out.’
‘Based in Bangor I visit schools, workplaces, and sports clubs, on behalf of the Oddballs Foundation throughout North Wales, to deliver free 15-minute awareness talks covering all the basics of testicular cancer and what the foundation does.’
‘For more information or to book a talk please contact Bangor@theoddballsfoundation.com‘
Hywel Williams MP said: ‘I was delighted to host Alex and Freddie in Parliament and thank them for the work they do to raise awareness of testicular cancer amongst students and the public.’
‘Having university students as ambassadors is a powerful and influential tool to enable young men to open up and discuss any concerns they may have about their health.’
‘The OddBalls brand has grown to become one of the most visually successful cancer campaigns in the UK, recognisable by its colourful and fun branding, which gets people talking.’
‘I am pleased that Bangor University is part of this important campaign and Alex is to be commended for her enthusiasm and passion in advocating the charity’s message.’
‘It was encouraging to see MPs and Peers from all parties showing their support and hope the event helped to further promote the work they charity does to encourage young men to check themselves if they have any concerns.’
