20 April 2010
Smooth Radio DJ treads the rough tracks of the Virgin London Marathon for The Prostate Cancer Charity
Smooth Radio DJ, Mark Goodier, is dusting off his trainers as he takes on his very first Virgin London Marathon for The Prostate Cancer Charity, after losing his father-in-law to the disease.
Former Top Of The Pops host, Mark, 48, will be swapping his microphone for a sweat band and stopwatch as he tackles the epic route, for the Charity on Sunday 25 April. Mark will be part of the Charity’s 190 strong team, tackling the 26.2 mile race across the Capital to raise vital funds and awareness of a disease which kills one man every hour in the UK.
Former BBC One Radio and Smash Hits Radio DJ, Mark explains: "Prostate cancer touches the lives of thousands of people every year and is the most common cancer in men in the UK. My father-in-law Bill, had prostate cancer and his diagnosis had a huge impact on the lives of the whole family. Men cannot run away from problems with their health and I am showing my support for The Prostate Cancer Charity by taking on the Virgin London Marathon and running to raise awareness of this disease.
"I would urge blokes to listen to their bodies and to spread the word about prostate cancer. This is my first proper street Marathon and I'm anticipating getting round, but in no idea what time. I'm excited and looking forward to it ... but with some trepidation."
Speaking about Mark’s marathon bid, The Prostate Cancer Charity's Head of Community Fundraising, Claire Walsh, said: "We are extremely pleased that that Mark is doing the Virgin London Marathon on behalf of The Prostate Cancer Charity. We hope that running the race in Bill’s memory will give Mark extra motivation to finish in record time.
"The Marathon always promises to be a fun day, which unites London in the fundraising spirit. We are incredibly grateful to all of our runners who have put so much time and dedication into training for this iconic challenge in support of the 250,000 men living with the disease in the UK. We wish Mark the very best of luck with his challenge and we will all be there on the day cheering him on from the sidelines."
To take part in a running event for The Prostate Cancer Charity, contact Pauline Angus on 020 8222 7134 or email pauline.angus@prostate-cancer.org.uk
ENDS
Interview and Photo Opportunities
To interview Mark or any of the Charity's 190 other runners, please contact Claire Blackburn on 0208 222 7687. Pictures of Mark are available and further images of Mark running the Virgin London Marathon can be provided following the race.
Notes to Editors:
For further information contact: Vivienne Francis, Nikki Nagler or Claire Blackburn on 0208 222 7136/7670/7687. Out of hours contact: 0798 432 5001. Email: Vivienne.Francis@prostate-cancer.org.uk or Nicola.Nagler@prostate-cancer.org.uk or Claire.Blackburn@prostate-cancer.org.uk
Mark Goodier
Mark Goodier was born Zimbabwe and grew up in Scotland. He now lives in north London with his wife and three children. Mark has been a radio DJ for several BBC Radio One programmes, including the Breakfast show and the Top 40 and he also presented Top Of The Pops for one year. Mark currently presents Smooth Radio London (102.2) mid-morning show.
The Prostate Cancer Charity
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Every year in the UK 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.
African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.
The Prostate Cancer Charity is striving for a world where lives are no longer limited by prostate cancer. The Charity is fighting prostate cancer on every front - through research, support, information and campaigning.
If you have any queries about prostate cancer, call The Prostate Cancer Charity's confidential Helpline 0800 074 8383 which is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm or visit www.prostate-cancer.org.uk