England and Manchester United footballer Ella Toone has been named an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, two years after her father Nick died from the disease at age 59.
Toone's Tribute to Her Father
Toone, 26, who helped England win the European Championships in 2022 and 2025, described her father as her "absolute hero." She said: "He was always there at every match; it was him that gave me my love of the game. He is the reason why I am a Lioness. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and mourn what my family has lost."
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. Toone emphasized the human impact: "These men aren't just numbers – they're dads just like mine – partners, brothers and mates trying to navigate their way through the disease." She expressed pride in becoming an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, which she called "the UK's biggest public funder of prostate cancer research."
Father's Day Announcement
Nick Toone died three days before his 60th birthday, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after watching his daughter score in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley. Statistics show the disease affects one in eight men, with one man dying every 45 minutes.
Red Roses rugby player Alex Matthews has also been announced as an ambassador. Her father Dave is currently being treated for prostate cancer. Matthews said: "I know all too well the devastation that prostate cancer can have on a family. My dad Dave was originally diagnosed over 10 years ago. We were all so relieved when he first got the all clear. But the cancer returned in 2023 and this time it isn't curable."
Charity's Response
Chiara De Biase, Prostate Cancer UK's fundraising and strategy director, said Toone and Matthews's "passion, profile and competitive spirit" would help drive home the message that knowing your risk can save lives. Last year, Toone revealed that her father's death came as a shock because he had not explained his illness until near the end.
