Millwall Fan Honours Lifesaving Legacy Of Father & Prostate Cancer UK
We fear no foe. That was the message from Millwall and supporter William Kilgannon as they continued a strong association with Prostate Cancer UK by launching a lifesaving film sequel.
William, 22, lost his father Brian to prostate cancer 10 years ago. Brian came forward to tell his story after the Lions proudly sported the Prostate Cancer UK logo on their shirts in 2013/14, sacrificing lucrative offers to spread a hugely important message.
As a result, Brian recorded a powerful film to tell Millwall fans – and the wider football community – about the dangers of prostate cancer. And, in a poignant and hugely personal follow-up, William has now reprised that message back at The Den, a hugely special place for him and his dad.
For the past decade and more Millwall have stood side by side with Prostate Cancer UK, and the powerful new film premiered at The Den during their live-on-Sky Championship clash with Preston North End this weekend (8th November).
In London, around 950 men die from prostate cancer every year on average. More than 60,000 men are living with prostate cancer in the capital, three times the capacity of The Den (20,146).
The film launches as Prostate Cancer UK awaits the landmark decision from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) as to whether men in the UK will finally get screening for the disease.
Prostate cancer is the UK’s last major cancer without a screening programme. Back in 2022, the charity submitted evidence to the committee backing targeted screening of men at highest risk, like Black men or those with a family history – like William.
William, said: “My dad was my idol. Not a moment of the day goes by when I don’t think about him. I miss him every day.
“Dad was always so positive and believed in helping others. It’s why he stood at The Den 11 and a half years ago to talk to fans, not just of Millwall, but of each and every football club. To everyone. That’s why I returned to The Den to reprise his message. I want to honour my dad’s legacy, celebrate his efforts and encourage as many Millwall fans to be aware of their risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Chief Executive Laura Kerby, added: “The Kilgannon family and Millwall FC have been a huge part of our work in football for more than a decade, and this special film will only reinforce that incredible bond.
“It’s truly heartbreaking that William lost his father so young, but his unrelenting spirit to support us for so many years has been extraordinary. This poignant, powerful and deeply personal film is the culmination of all this work and will honour Brian’s legacy and further shine a spotlight on the dangers of prostate cancer.
“We’re incredibly grateful to William for speaking so openly about his dad’s story and raising lifesaving awareness with not just the Millwall family but football supporters across the UK.
“We are striving to build a world where no man dies of prostate cancer. Our £42m TRANSFORM trial will find the missing pieces we need to build a safe and effective screening programme for all men, to catch prostate cancer early and save lives.”
Prostate cancer is now England’s most common cancer, and 1 in 8 men will get it. It’s also the only major cancer without a screening programme – so you won’t be invited for a test.
As prostate cancer doesn’t give you signs and symptoms in its earlier – more treatable – stage, it’s crucial every man knows his risk. You’re at higher risk if you’re over 50 and your risk increases as you get older. If you’re Black, or if your dad or brother have had it, you’re at even higher risk.
Men who are concerned about prostate cancer or their own risk can search “check my risk” and take Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second online risk checker. It’s free, easy to use and will quickly tell you more about your risk and what you can choose to do about it. Men can check their risk of getting prostate cancer using Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second online Risk Checker: https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker
