MOT Yourself
604. Errol McKellar
Errol McKellar takes an innovative approach to encouraging more ‘at risk’ black men to be tested for prostate cancer.
Motivated by his own diagnosis in 2010, Errol launched ‘MOT Yourself’ offering customers at his Hackney garage a discount if they agree to be tested, organising fundraising football matches and persuading footballers including Thierry Henry and Harry Redknapp to promote the cause. Errol estimates that thousands of men have been tested as a result with 44 going on to be diagnosed.
Errol has raised around £70,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and says, “I just hope that one day we can find a cure for this terrible disease”.
In a personal letter to Errol, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your innovative approach to increasing the number of men to be tested for prostate cancer has literally saved lives. Thanks to your efforts more men are receiving an early diagnosis and significantly increasing their chances of survival.”
Anil Abeykoon, CEO of MOT Yourself, said:
“It is an honour for Errol to achieve a Points of Light award. He has tirelessly campaigned through his charity MOT Yourself as well as Prostate Cancer UK to get men to take their health more seriously. No matter how many lives he saves, he always refers to those who he has helped as the heroes, which cannot be more true. Achieving an accolade such as a Points of Light award is humbling, which Errol is overwhelmed to receive! But for Errol and his charity MOT yourself, there is more work to be done! Thank you so much for recognising Errol’s achievements!”
Angela Culhane, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said:
“We’re delighted to hear Errol has been chosen for today’s Points of Light award. This is a real testament to the outstanding work Errol does to help others. From raising awareness of risk factors in his local community, to organising celebrity football matches, and acting as a spokesperson at events for Prostate Cancer UK, Errol has gone above and beyond to make sure the life saving messages about prostate cancer are heard loud and clear following his own experience of the disease.”
“It is through the dedication and passion of our supporters like Errol that we will be able to stop prostate cancer being a killer. The way he has made such a positive impact out of such a tough life event is inspirational. Over 11,000 men die from the disease every year in the UK, that’s one man every hour. Through raising awareness of the risk factors and raising funds for vital research, with help from fantastic supporters, Prostate Cancer UK aims to make this a disease that the next generation will not need to fear. Huge congratulations to Errol for this very well deserved award.”