SAFC legend Gary Bennett tells men to "get checked out" ahead of return of Fans' Museum's Prostate Cancer Walk
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men and one in four men of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity
Sunderland AFC legend and former skipper Gary Bennett MBE has urged men to “open up and talk and to go and get checked out” if they have any concerns over prostate cancer.
Gary was speaking to the Echo ahead of the Fans’ Museum’s annual walk to raise awareness of prostate cancer as well as vital funds to tackle the disease which affects one in eight men and one in four men of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity.
Gary, who made over 350 appearances for the Black Cats, said: “It’s very important that men open up and talk about prostate cancer. There have been so many high profile figures in the news recently who’ve been diagnosed with this type of cancer, with John Barnes and Jeremy Clarkson being two of the most recent.
“Men shouldn’t feel ashamed to talk about it and if you have any concerns then make an appointment with your GP and go and get checked out.”
It’s a cause close to Gary’s heart after overcoming his own battle with prostate cancer after being diagnosed in 2023.
He added: “Looking back now, going and getting checked out and being diagnosed at an early stage did save my life. If you catch prostate cancer early it is treatable and you have much better chance of a positive outcome.
“The worst thing you can do is ignore it or put off going to see your doctor.”
It’s the third annual Fans’ Museum Walk to raise awareness of prostate cancer and Gary will be joined by other former SAFC players including Darren Williams, David Hodgson, and Mick Harford.
Sunderland born former England centre forward Mick has also overcome his own battle with prostate cancer and is passionate about raising awareness in his home city.
Speaking previously to the Echo, Mick said: “It’s massively important for me to be part of this walk as the people of Sunderland were so supportive of me through my own illness and I want to give something back.”
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The Fans Museum has set up a Crowdfunding page to also raise vital funds for the Urology Department at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, where Gary received his treatment.
He said: “If we can raise some money, then great, but they key thing for me is to get men talking and to get checked out. It’s also a chance to come along and enjoy a walk along the seafront whilst having the opportunity to open up and share your story or concerns with the person next to you.”
The now annual event was inspired by Buckinghamshire-based Luton Town fan Ron Hedley whose Ron’s Marches have so far raised more than £50,000 to support the fight against prostate cancer, with the Fans Museum now establishing its own walk here in Sunderland.
Fans Museum founder Michael Ganley said: “Events like the Fans Walk demonstrate the power of football and community coming together to make a real difference.
“Every participant and donation helps raise awareness and supports efforts to tackle one of the most common cancers affecting men.”
This year’s (2026) walk will take place on Friday July 10, departing the Fans Museum at 10am. Walkers will head to Roker and along the seafront where they can choose to do a 3 mile or 6 mile circular route back to the museum.
Michael added: “Gary and Mick are both Sunderland football legends, having contributed massively both on and off the field. Having high-profile people who are willing to share their story is one of the most powerful ways to help change men’s mindsets.
“The Fans Walk has been growing exponentially since we created it three years ago. It’s an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to stand shoulder to shoulder with others and show support for those with experiences of prostate cancer.”
You can register to take part in the walk via the link on the Fans’ Museum’s website.
You can book to get a PSA test to get checked for prostate cancer via your GP’s surgery.