A Tribute to Lives Lost
Former England manager Roy Hodgson has shown his support for Prostate Cancer UK as the charity unveiled a moving memorial in Bristol. This installation pays tribute to those lost to prostate cancer, including the much-missed Mail Sport journalist Ralph Ellis.
Hodgson, who now manages Championship club Bristol City, joined supporters at an event on Friday at the city’s Temple Meads railway station. There, an eye-catching installation is on display from May to November. The 10-foot tall, mirrored steel pyramid is dedicated to the memory of husbands, fathers, uncles, and grandads who were taken too soon.
Around 630 names are already engraved on the memorial, with the number increasing as the installation tours the UK. People can buy a permanent name engraving to celebrate the life of a loved one lost to prostate cancer.
Hodgson expressed his admiration for the work of Prostate Cancer UK, stating: “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 is the most common cancer in the UK, with more than 63,000 men diagnosed every year. By taking the memorial across the UK, the charity aims to raise awareness about the disease while providing an opportunity for people to see their loved ones’ names on the installation.
Remembering Ralph Ellis
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 around the sport, including managers Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway, paid tribute to Ralph after his death. His family had his name added to the memorial as a way to celebrate his life.
Ralph’s son Matt shared his feelings: “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.”
The Journey of the Memorial
The pyramid structure, which also features the charity’s Man of Men logo on one side, was launched in November 2021 and initially stood in London Bridge railway station for several months. It has since traveled across the UK, visiting locations such as Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Southampton, and Lincoln.
The memorial includes tributes to notable figures, such as 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.
This powerful installation serves as a reminder of the impact of prostate cancer and the importance of raising awareness. It offers a space for reflection and remembrance, while encouraging individuals to take action in supporting the fight against this disease.
