Former England manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his support for Prostate Cancer UK as the charity unveiled a poignant memorial in Bristol, honouring those lost to the disease, including the much-missed former Mail Sport journalist Ralph Ellis.
Memorial at Temple Meads
Hodgson, now managing Championship club Bristol City, joined supporters on Friday at an event at the city’s Temple Meads railway station. The centrepiece is an eye-catching installation standing from May to November—a 10-foot tall, mirrored steel pyramid dedicated to the memory of husbands, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers taken too soon.
Approximately 630 names are already engraved on the structure, with the number set to increase as the memorial tours the UK. People can purchase a permanent name engraving to celebrate the life of a loved one lost to prostate cancer.
Hodgson's Personal Connection
Hodgson remarked: “I’ve supported the work of Prostate Cancer UK for many years, and it was an honour to visit the Prostate Cancer Memorial on Friday. It’s a really special installation, and I was very humbled to take a closer look and see the names of so many that have been lost to prostate cancer.”
He added: “Football is a force for good and a perfect way to spread important messages like this. I’ve proudly worn the charity’s ‘Man of Men’ pin badge for many years on touchlines up and down the country, and it’s a cause very close to my heart.”
Prostate Cancer Statistics
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 63,000 men diagnosed every year. By taking the memorial across the nation, the charity aims to raise awareness about the disease while providing an opportunity for people to see their loved one’s name on the installation.
Tribute to Ralph Ellis
Former football journalist Ralph Ellis worked at the Western Daily Press in Bristol, the Birmingham Evening Mail, and the Daily Star before joining the Mail as a sports news editor. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 62.
Figures from the sport, including managers Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway, paid tribute to Ralph after his death. To celebrate his life, his family arranged for his name to be added to the memorial.
Ralph’s son Matt shared: “It is nearly eight years since we lost Dad, but it is still so painful, and he is never far from my thoughts. My two boys are now 14 and almost 10, and the fact he is missing how they are growing up and not being able to take them to play golf or to football training always makes me sad.”
He continued: “The work that Prostate Cancer UK does for awareness and treatment is so important and cannot be overstated. Physical reminders like the Memorial really highlight how many people are affected by this disease and the terrible impact it can have on people's lives. I would encourage all men to understand their risk of the disease as early diagnosis is key.”
Memorial Tour
The pyramid structure, which features the charity’s Man of Men logo on one side, was launched in November 2021 and initially stood at London Bridge railway station for several months. It has since travelled across the UK, including stops in Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Southampton, and Lincoln.
The memorial also includes tributes to much-loved broadcaster Bill Turnbull, legendary former England cricketer Bob Willis, the father of comedian and former I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! winner Joe Pasquale, and the father of TV presenter Jenny Powell.
