Former England manager Roy Hodgson voiced strong support for a Prostate Cancer UK memorial unveiled in Bristol, which honors individuals lost to the disease, including esteemed football journalist Ralph Ellis.
Event at Bristol Temple Meads
Hodgson, current manager of Championship side Bristol City, attended the event on Friday at Bristol Temple Meads railway station. The striking 10-foot-tall mirrored steel pyramid stands prominently through November, dedicated to husbands, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers taken too soon by prostate cancer. Over 630 names are engraved, with more added as the memorial travels across the UK and families purchase permanent engravings.
Hodgson’s Statement
Hodgson stated: “I’ve supported the work of Prostate Cancer UK for many years, and it was an honor 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.”
Ralph Ellis Tribute
Ralph Ellis, a respected football journalist who worked at the Western Daily Press in Bristol, Birmingham Evening Mail, and Daily Star, passed away in 2018 at age 62. Sports figures such as managers Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway offered tributes following his death. His family added his name to the memorial to celebrate his life.
Ralph’s son, Matt Ellis, 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.”
Matt 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.”
Awareness and Tour Details
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, affecting more than 63,000 men annually. The touring memorial raises awareness and allows families to commemorate loved ones.
Launched in November 2021 at London Bridge station, the pyramid—featuring the charity’s Man of Men logo—has visited Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Southampton, and Lincoln. It also pays tribute to broadcaster Bill Turnbull, former England cricketer Bob Willis, comedian Joe Pasquale’s father, and TV presenter Jenny Powell’s father.
