
Gladiators Star Takes on The Big Golf Race For Prostate Cancer UK
On 3rd June, I was able to join Jamie Christian-Johal, better known as Giant from the popular BBC TV show Gladiators, who was participating in a full 72-hole Marathon supporting The Big Golf Race to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Jamie was supporting fundraising activities in recognition of the support his uncle Colin Tomlinson received when he became a member of the 1 in 8 club and was diagnosed with the disease over eight years ago. Colin was a walking supporter of the players at the event and has now fully recovered.
As I spoke to Colin, we swapped stories of our diagnosis and we both remembered with stark clarity the layout of the room, the extra nurse supporting the consultant, and a box of tissues placed strategically between the chairs we sat on as the news of our cancer was delivered.
Featured Content
In Colin's case he was a stage 3 and required immediate radical interventions that due to his excellent fitness levels he has now returned to full health. Amazingly, he is now offering help to others as a ‘cancer buddy’ providing support and counselling and is able to offer real life first-hand experience of the recovery process. He spoke repeatedly about the need for men over 40 to be proactive about their health and ensuring they ask their GP for an examination and test as his diagnosis came about through a simple well-man check as he was without any form of outward symptoms.
It is easy to see why Jamie was inspired by his uncle to start his journey towards his world beating bodybuilding championships whilst enjoying a career as an emergency worker, both police and firefighter.
Jamie was the only golfer enduring the 72-hole format of the challenge. He was joined by 12 friends and other celebrity supporters that included Andy Twigge, the brilliant reporter from BBC Radio Derby. Twiggy, as he is affectionately known by his supporters, is a highly effective single figure golfer who also maintained morale within the group because of his excellent rapport with Jamie. The first tee photograph had to be rearranged given the difference in heights of the two men.
Jamie started his marathon at first light joined by premiership footballers and friends and relatives in awful weather with sideways rain making playing conditions difficult. The intention was for another group of players to join the giant odyssey at different times during the day and night allowing a non-stop game.
Imagine carrying a 15 kilo bag playing hundreds of golf shots and walking a 26-mile marathon to have an idea as to the physical challenge he endured.
Jamie has a usual daily food consumption of 10,000 calories so required provisions to also be carried. Jamie had eaten three chicken wraps by 11am to give an idea as to how much energy he needs to consume due to his exercise regime.
Jamie is a golfer of some years standing having first tried the game as a child with friends on his local pitch and putt course having bought a half set of clubs from the local Sports Direct store.
He has an effective swing and when the ball is struck sweetly it stays hit for a long time. At 6 foot 5 inches tall supported by immense strength, he has many natural advantages for sport that many would wish for. I was surprised to see how flexible and agile he was given his immense size and musculature.
His international bodybuilding championship successes provide some incredible photographs of a human body in prime condition.
Jamie’s fans will be pleased to know that the bicep injury he suffered requiring him to leave last year’s series early has now fully recovered and he is very hopeful of appearing in the next series of shows.
Jamie shared with me that Sabre, another Gladiator from the series, also uses golf as a means of relaxing but prefers to practice on the range having not yet ventured onto the golf course.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course with Jamie. The level of banter between the group was at a premiership level and all present enjoyed each other’s company. Final fundraising amounts are not available but I expect it to be substantial given the level of interest from others on the course.
If you would like to support Jamie's effort and donate, please click here.
You can also follow his story on Instagram by visiting @akathegiant.
Related Content
Prostate Cancer UK Launches The Big Golf Race For 2025
Tags: prostate cancer uk Prostate Cancer GOLFERS Golf daily picks