LOCAL bus operator First Worcester & Hereford has chosen Prostate Cancer UK as the company’s new UK Charity of Choice partner after a recent vote.

The new three year partnership between the leading transport operator and the charity hopes to raise £1m for men affected by prostate cancer, and their partners and families, through employee events, collections and promotions. The aim of the partnership, which begins in April 2015, is to begin life saving journeys for FirstGroup’s employees, customers and the wider community, ensuring they know their risk of prostate cancer and raising awareness of the disease and the support available from the charity.

To support the project, First donations will fund the production of a million ‘Know Your Prostate’ credit card sized Z-card leaflets and further specialist resources to raise awareness of prostate cancer. First will also provide Prostate Cancer UK with valuable advertising space throughout its UK bus and rail networks which will encourage many more people to join the charity’s campaign against the disease.

Nigel Eggleton, managing director of First Midlands, part of FirstGroup’s bus division, said: “My colleagues in Worcester and Hereford voted in massive numbers with many telling us they chose Prostate Cancer UK with family members that they care about in mind. We are looking forward to starting our partnership with Prostate Cancer UK in April and will be raising money and awareness locally for this important charity over the next three years.”

Owen Sharp, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, added: "It’s great to be embarking on a new journey with First Worcester & Hereford and FirstGroup. I’m really excited to welcome them on board. This partnership will offer us an excellent platform in transforming public awareness of a disease which affects one in eight men, and reaching them early will make a life-saving difference. The fact that FirstGroup employees voted for us shows how much men’s health, and prostate cancer in particular, is an issue, and we thank everyone who voted for us. Their support will also go a long way in helping Prostate Cancer UK reach its goals in building a movement fighting against the disease.”