The Sun’s Feel ‘em Friday initiative has been inspired by the partnership with breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! - the charity set up by Kris Hallenga, a 28 year-old who was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at the age of 23 – who teamed up with Page 3 in March this year to raise awareness of breast cancer and increase early detection. Independent research has found that UK women are four times more likely to check their breasts if they have seen The Sun/Coppafeel! Campaign, says The Sun.
The weekly Feel ‘em Friday feature launches today (Friday 7 November) with members of the West Ham United squad encouraging male readers to "check their balls" for signs of testicular cancer. The support of the West Ham United team follows the passing of former player Dylan Tombides, the 20-year-old Australian forward who died in April after a three-year battle with testicular cancer.
The Sun is also running a series of editorial features and promotions to raise awareness of men’s health issues, including giving away 15,000 Gillette razors, worth £9.99 to Sun+ members – helping them keep their facial fuzz tidy during the annual moustache-growing Movember challenge.
David Dinsmore, Editor of The Sun, said: “Movember is a great campaign with a sense of fun and innovation that chimes perfectly with The Sun’s values. We’re very happy to be partnering with the Movember Foundation to spread the word about checking for testicular cancer in the way we have done with breast cancer and Coppafeel! to great success.”
Sarah Coghlan, Movember UK Director, commented: "We’re really pleased to be partnering with The Sun this year. Together, we are campaigning to help raise vital funds and awareness for the often ignored health issues that affect men. Having the support of the UK’s biggest national newspaper is a fantastic opportunity to reach men across the country and encourage them to take action when it comes to their health. Join us, sign up and get involved at Movember.com or Text MOVE05 £5 to 70070 to donate to Movember and make a difference today.”
The West Ham United players are the first men to appear naked on Page 3, says The Sun.
