Local Celebrity Takes on The Big Golf Race in The East Midlands

Golfers nationwide are taking on The Big Golf Race to raise awareness and vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK. It's a formidable but rewarding challenge and a local East Midlands celebrity participated this week, as Jamie Christian, best known as ‘The Giant’ from hit TV show Gladiators, pledged his support.

The 6ft 5in former bodybuilder from Ilkeston took on the demanding Marathon challenge - playing 72 holes of golf and walking more than 26 miles in a single day - at Breadsall Priory Golf Club in Derbyshire. He joins thousands of golfers across the UK who are supporting the cause by taking to the fairways.

Participants can choose from the Half Marathon (36 holes and approximately 13 miles of walking), the Marathon (72 holes and over 26 miles), or the Ultra Marathon, which pushes players to complete 100 holes in one day, covering an incredible 35 miles on foot.

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Since The Big Golf Race was launched in 2020, it has become the biggest golf fundraising challenge in the UK, with more than 14,400 golfers raising over £4.5m. This year, Prostate Cancer UK - the leading men’s health charity - is encouraging more golfers to go the distance to help save dads, grandads, brothers, partners and golf mates from a disease that is now the most diagnosed cancer in England, affecting 1 in 8 men with over 4,300 men diagnosed every year in the East Midlands alone.

Motivated by his uncle’s prostate cancer diagnosis and recovery, Jamie, supported by his family and close friends, took on the challenge, successfully completing it in just under 15 hours and has raised an incredible £1,500 so far. Golfshake's Andy Picken - who was also diagnosed with prostate cancer some years ago - went along to meet him.

Jamie said "Throughout my life conquering feats of physical endurance is something I’m used to - but Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race posed an entirely different challenge. Four rounds of golf in one day will be tough but raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and shining a light on prostate cancer which has had a big impact on my family was totally exhausting but totally worth it.

"Eight years ago my uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully he’s made a full recovery. But that wouldn’t have been possible without an early diagnosis which I know is a vital part of Prostate Cancer UK’s work.

"The Big Golf Race brilliantly combines my love of golf and pushing my limits all for a fantastic charity close to my heart. It was an honour to go the distance on the golf course for my uncle and all the men and their families affected by the disease."

Golfers can sign up for The Big Golf Race via the challenge’s microsite and will receive a fundraising pack, including golf balls, tees, pencils and a fundraising guide, plus there are opportunities to earn incentive gifts with every swing. Every golfer who raises £250 will be entered into a draw to win a once-in-a-life golfing holiday to the Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus, while the overall top fundraiser will claim the ultimate golf package worth £3,000, courtesy of Titleist.

"All participants in this year’s Big Golf Race have their own motivation for taking part, but they share a collective mission: to stop men dying of prostate cancer. We’d like to thank Jamie for shining a light on prostate cancer within his network and for being a superstar fundraiser to help Prostate Cancer UK fund their lifesaving work." said Seren Evans, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK. 

If you would like to sign-up to The Big Golf Race, please visit biggolfrace.prostatecanceruk.org.