Wolves former goalkeeper exhibits play-off winning shirt
Former Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray has shown off his Championship play-off winning shirt for charity.
The shirt is from the victory over Sheffield United at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in 2003.
Murray, who won man of the match for the performance, has now put the item forward to an exhibition by Prostate Cancer UK.
It is part of the charity's Stronger Knowing More campaign, which will see the prized possessions of famous famous exhibited.
It is being held in a bid to raise awareness of the increased risk of prostate cancer in black men.
One in four black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and one in twelve will die from the disease.
Murray said: “Prostate cancer is not an issue to be taken lightly. Last year I walked alongside Soccer Saturday legend, Jeff Stelling, during his almighty walking challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
"I was also proud to walk with my good friend and Wolves club doctor, Matt Perry, who was treated for the disease in 2014. Along the way we met many others with similar experiences and listened to their stories of determination, strength and survivorship.
“I’m delighted to be supporting Stronger Knowing More and shining a light on a disease that is all too often swept under the carpet and ignored – especially in the black community. I’m donating the shirt that I wore during the best performance of my career."
He added: “During my time at Wolves it didn’t matter how nervous I was before a match, as soon as I put on my shirt I felt like I could take on anything. I hope this shirt brings others the strength and courage it brought me during that memorable match in 2003.”
Other celebrities donating items at this weekend’s exhibition include former England and Nottingham Forest defender, Viv Anderson, former Birmingham City captain, Michael Johnson, and former Charlton Athletic manager and England defender, Chris Powell, who spent playing and coaching spells with Leicester City and Derby County.
Tony Wong, Prostate Cancer UK’s Men at Risk programme manager said: “As a black man myself I am all too aware of the long-standing taboos that surround prostate cancer within our communities. Too many men continue to let pride get in the way of their health and it’s putting their lives at risk.
“We’re delighted to be at this year’s Simmer Down festival. Our exhibition will showcase stories of strength from celebrities, men living with prostate cancer and families who have lost loved ones to the disease. It’s a celebration of how black communities have found the strength to face prostate cancer in their lives.
“We’re calling on black men everywhere to find the strength to overcome any embarrassment and find out about their prostate cancer risk. If prostate cancer is caught early it can be successfully treated - a two minute chat with your GP could save your life.”
Prostate Cancer UK will be displaying its exhibition at the Simmer Down Festival in Handsworth Park on Sunday from 12.30pm to 7.20pm.
