"I am proud to announce that my Captain's Charity of the Year is local registered cancer charity The Pink Place, incorporating The Blue Space for Men".
"I understand from conversations with the charity, that The Blue Space (the men's section of the charity) has far fewer members than the ladies. This is NOT because there are fewer men with cancer living in and around Basingstoke, it is because research suggests almost a quarter of men have never talked about cancer to a friend or relative and over 86% do not seek support. Only by opening up a dialogue on the subject will the taboo surrounding it be diluted and more men will feel able to discuss it, and be more aware of early warning signs. Silence is so often synonymous with fear and only by talking about it will we diminish the fear we all have of an illness which can be treated successfully if caught early.
It is therefore my aim during my year long captaincy, to encourage new conversation around men's cancer and to highlight that those conversations are desperately needed to save lives".
The statistic of 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetime is a stark reminder that cancer touches so many people and has no boundaries to age, ethnicity or background.
This small, local charity works incredibly hard to provide a wide range of wellbeing services, complementary therapies, counselling, mindfulness and peer support to adults affected by cancer.
"As part of my legacy in my role as Captain of this club, I am determined to make a difference and to raise funds to help ensure that The Pink Place, incorporating The Blue Space for Men, continues to be there for our community in the years to come".
Thank you for your support
Richard Carpenter, Captain of Basingstoke Golf Club