Over 200 men checked for prostate cancer by Warwickshire Cricket Foundation
Warwickshire Cricket Foundation and the Bob Willis Fund have tested a further 55 men for prostate cancer, bringing the total number of men tested to over 200 in 2025 through the collaboration.
Earlier this year, the Bob Willis Fund, named after the Warwickshire and England legend who sadly died of prostate cancer in 2019, funded the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation to promote prostate testing to men across the county.
The Foundation has since run testing centres at three local cricket clubs across the county – Knowle & Dorridge CC, Stratford upon Avon CC and last week, Sutton Coldfield CC – in addition to a testing centre for over 60 colleagues and volunteers at Edgbaston Stadium.
The 55 men tested at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club were all connected to the club, including current and former players, with the comfort and encouragement of a welcoming cricket clubhouse environment making the testing process more palatable, which in turn helps more lives being saved.
Fidelis Navas, community director at Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, said: “We know the importance of early diagnosis of prostate cancer and we are pleased to have played a part in testing over 200 men in 2025, funded by the Bob Willis Fund.
“The majority of men we have tested have come away with a clean bill of health but there are numerous examples of early diagnosis, showing the importance of what we are doing.
“We are grateful to all the clubs who have opened their clubhouse doors to enable us to test people in their communities and continue to honour Bob’s legacy.”
Katie Willis, daughter of Bob Willis and co-founder of The Bob Willis Fund, said: “Cricket clubs are all about community, where people come together and look out for one another.
“That’s why partnering with the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation for these prostate cancer testing days means so much to us at The Bob Willis Fund.
“Too many people still don’t realise that every man has a prostate, or understand how prostate cancer affects not only the men we love but their families too.
“Working with the incredible Dr Jyoti Shah to offer testing, alongside clear, compassionate guidance, is a vital step in raising awareness and helping men take control of their health.
“This is a huge part of our work and a defining element of my dad’s legacy, which we’re proud to continue in his name.”
Nick Baker, chairman of Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, said: “I wish to formally thank the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation for organising and delivering the recent free prostate cancer screening event at our club.
“The event, held in partnership with the Bob Willis Fund, provided a critical and well-organised service for men in the Sutton Coldfield area.
“The planning and execution were highly efficient, ensuring excellent service for all attendees from the local community. This initiative delivered vital health awareness and accessible testing, which is greatly appreciated.”
Since 2021, Blue for Bob Day has been a sight to behold Test Matches held at Edgbaston Stadium, with the crowd invited to wear blue and donate to the fund, supported by Sky and its commentators, as well as the ECB. Over £500,000 has been raised to fund research to fight the disease and to also encourage men over 45 to get their prostate checked.
