27/03/2025
Prostate Cancer UK will deliver life-saving messaging to thousands of racegoers at this year’s Grand National Festival thanks to headline sponsors, Randox.
Randox is donating the sponsorship of the title race to Prostate Cancer UK on Ladies Day on Friday 4th April, and broadcasters and special guests Jenny Powell and Gemma Oaten will be visiting the famous Festival, continuing their support for the leading men’s health charity.
Powell and Oaten will be in the stands to watch the Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Chase, with the Aintree event holding added significance for the duo, whose families have both been affected by prostate cancer. Jenny’s father died of prostate cancer in 2021, while Gemma’s dad, Dennis, is living with advanced prostate cancer.
Jenny Powell, who presents the weekend breakfast show on Greatest Hits Radio, said: “Losing my dad to prostate cancer was heartbreaking, so I want to use my family’s experience to help others and continue the conversation about the disease.
“My dad was a strong, proud man who never liked talking about his health. His experience taught me that we need to encourage men to have open conversations about prostate cancer risk. That’s why it’s fantastic that Randox has picked Prostate Cancer UK as a charity partner of the Randox Grand National Festival.
“There will be a lot of men watching the racing at Aintree, and one in eight of them will get prostate cancer. That’s a scary statistic, but one that Prostate Cancer UK are working to reverse, and I’m delighted to be supporting the charity on Ladies Day this year.”
Former Emmerdale actress Oaten said: “My dad is a massive horseracing fan, so being at the Randox Grand National on Ladies Day, supporting Prostate Cancer UK, is really exciting.
“When my dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer, our whole world stopped. Thankfully he’s still going strong today, and sharing his story has hopefully encouraged men like him to go to speak to their GP if they have any concerns themselves.
“Dad’s experience has also allowed me to work closely with Prostate Cancer UK and learn what fantastic work they do; not only in research into the disease, but supporting men and their families living with a diagnosis.
“It’ll be a real honour to represent the charity on Ladies Day, and I can’t wait to see the action at Aintree.”
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Randox for their generous support, and for providing such a significant platform to shine a spotlight on prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men.
“The Randox Grand National is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world, with the eyes of millions of horseracing fans across the UK firmly fixed on the action at Aintree every year. This partnership will enable Prostate Cancer UK to reach even more men with our lifesaving message and help save lives.”
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Health, said:
“At Randox, we are committed to improving health outcomes through innovation and early diagnosis, and we are honoured to support Prostate Cancer UK through our Grand National sponsorship. By dedicating the Ladies Day race to this important cause, we hope to drive greater awareness and encourage men to take charge of their health.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with risk increasing due to factors such as age, family history, and ethnicity. Early detection is crucial, as the disease often develops without symptoms in its early stages. By raising awareness of these risk factors and the importance of regular health checks, we aim to empower men with the knowledge they need to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.”
The 2025 Randox Grand National Festival takes place from Thursday 3rd April to Saturday 5th April at Aintree Racecourse. The Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Chase will be held on Ladies Day, Friday 4th April, as runners and riders take on the iconic Grand National fences.
For more information on Randox and Prostate Cancer UK, visit Randox and Prostate Cancer UK.