LEGENDARY Leamington boss Paul Holleran has urged men to get themselves tested for prostate cancer in the light of his own diagnosis.
As soon as the Brakes put out a statement, with Holleran’s blessing, about his own situation, messages of support and goodwill poured forward from the Non-League community.
The well-respected boss took charge of Leamington in 2009 and passed the milestone of 700 games in charge in March. The 53-year-old has led the club to three promotions, including an immediate return to National League North last season.
Across the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men – about one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases with age. The risk is even higher for black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Like all cancers, early diagnosis is key in providing treatment. PSA testing – a blood test that measures the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen in your blood – is still the main diagnostic tool for initial detection, although significant steps forward are currently being made in prostate cancer diagnosis.
Former Halesowen Town and Rushall Olympic boss Holleran said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of my family, close friends and football family for all their support over the recent months since my diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“I have had exceptional treatment and care from all the staff at the Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital and thankfully at home now being cared for by Mrs H.
“I would like to urge all men from their late 40s onwards to request a simple PSA blood test from your local GP, symptoms or no symptoms, to help with early diagnosis.
Recuperating
“I would also like to pay special tribute to National League sponsors Vanarama as I can still remember their MANarama campaign for awareness of prostate cancer. At Leamington FC, we will hold another men’s health day this coming season. Finally, my recovery is going well and I’m looking forward to seeing the Leamington football family in pre-season! Viva!”
The Brakes had put out a statement on Tuesday to end speculation about their long-serving manager’s health.
“Paul advised the club almost three months ago that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would be having an operation in very early June with a then yet to be determined course of treatment,” the National League North new boys commented. “The operation took place as scheduled and Paul is now recuperating at home, following doctors’ orders. He envisages being back in the dugout in time for the season ahead.
“It goes without saying that everyone within the club wishes Paul a speedy and, most importantly, a full recovery.”
