The John Green Campaign

John Green campaign v2

Throughout March, Bristol Rovers is supporting prostate cancer awareness with The John Green Campaign. 

The initiative, jointly launched by Bristol Rovers Football Club, Bristol Rovers Community Trust, North Bristol NHS Trust, part of Bristol NHS Group, and Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, will seek to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk, increase knowledge among male supporters and their families, encourage early detection and connect our community to local resources.

The campaign is named in honour of lifelong Bristol Rovers supporter John Green, who was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in early 2024. Since his diagnosis, John has sought to raise the understanding of the risks and symptoms associated with prostate cancer and has worked tirelessly with clubs across the country to encourage honest, transparent conversations.

In endorsement of the initiative, Bristol Rovers will be supporting prostate cancer awareness throughout March, including at the three scheduled men’s home fixtures; against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday 7 March, Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday 17 March, and culminating in a Club-wide awareness game on Saturday 28 March when Accrington Stanley visit The Memorial Stadium. 

Content raising further understanding involving the men’s first team and other club personnel will also be shared throughout the coming month, with an awareness event and panel also scheduled at The Memorial Stadium on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

This work forms part of our wider collaboration with North Bristol NHS Trust (part of Bristol NHS Group), building on the partnership announced in November 2025. Together, we’ve already delivered free health checks, flu awareness activities and CPR training for young people. The John Green Campaign continues this shared commitment to improving health outcomes across the city.

 

HEAR JOHN'S STORY IN THE VIDEO BELOW

Why we're talking about prostate cancer

 

March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with more than 64,000 men diagnosed every year. One in right men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and that figure rises to one in four for black men.

Most men do not  notice symptoms early on, which is why awareness and early conversations are key to early diagnosis and improved outcomes. 

 

Matchdays

 

Saturday 28 February 2026 | Swindon Town v Bristol Rovers

A charity bucket collection will be held at Swindon Town's Nigel Eady County Ground in support of prostate cancer awareness. An information table about the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer will be also available in Swindon Town's Legends Lounge.
 

Saturday 7 March 2026 | Bristol Rovers v Crewe Alexandra

The North Bristol NHS Trust and Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance will be at the Memorial Stadium providing information about prostate cancer to supporters in attendance.

 

Saturday 17 March 2026 | Bristol Rovers v Shrewsbury Town

The North Bristol NHS Trust and Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance will be at the Memorial Stadium providing information about prostate cancer to supporters in attendance.

 

Saturday 28 March 2026 | Bristol Rovers v Accrington Stanley

The Club's designated prostate cancer awareness fixture, and the culmination of our month-long campaign. More details about events and happenings around the matchday will follow.

awareness evening

Wednesday 25 March 2026 | Prostate Cancer Awareness Panel at The Memorial Stadium

Location: The Memorial Stadium, Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BF

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm (Event Start 7pm)

 

Bristol Rovers Football Club, Bristol Rovers Community Trust, North Bristol NHS Trust, part of Bristol NHS Group, and Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance will be hosting an open panel evening at The Memorial Stadium to discuss the reality and impact of prostate cancer. 

All members of the local community are welcome to attend for free.

The panel will be hosted by Geoff Twentyman and will feature representatives from Bristol Rovers FC, expert urologist Professor Jonathan Aning, NHS prostate cancer nurses, campaign ambassador John Green (Bristol Rovers fan) plus support worker mentor and ambassador Lloyd George Russell.

The panel discussions will cover prostate cancer awareness, symptoms, early detection, pathways to rehabilitation, and recovery.

In addition to the panel, attendees can explore a variety of information stalls hosted by NHS North Bristol Trust, Prostate Cancer Awareness UK and other organisations that will provide handouts and educational materials to support follow-up enquiries and provide vital information that could potentially save lives.

The information evening builds on the collaboration announced in November 2025 between Bristol Rovers Community Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust, which has already delivered free health checks, flu awareness initiatives, and CPR training for young people. The John Green Campaign is the latest initiative in this ongoing collaboration, aiming to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk, encourage early detection, and connect the community to local resources.

What are the symptoms

 

Prostate cancer often has no early symptoms, but some men may notice:

  • Needing to pee more often, especially at night
  • Difficulty starting or stopping
  • Weak flow
  • Blood in urine
  • Pain in the back, hips or pelvis

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but if you have any concerns, you should always speak to your GP. Don’t delay – early diagnosis saves lives.

 

What is a PSA test?

 

A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA). It is free from your GP and can help detect problems early.

You should consider a PSA test if you are:

  • Over 50
  • Black and over 45
  • You have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer

 

Speak to your GP about getting one booked. 

 

Signposting & Support