Kieran McGovern Raises More Than £9,000 for Prostate Cancer UK
30-Second Takeaway
Kieran McGovern, managing director of E.J. McGovern Crane Hire, says his team has raised more than £9,000 for Prostate Cancer UK after his father, Thomas, was diagnosed in July. Kieran is taking on a five-kilometre daily running challenge throughout October, joined by Liam McGovern and Liebherr’s Mark West under the team name McGovern United. An initial £500 fundraising target was quickly exceeded, with donations passing £3,000 within 24 hours. Support has come from family, friends, lifting industry colleagues and people the family has never met.
Kieran McGovern
Kieran McGovern has turned a difficult period for his family into a fundraising effort supporting prostate cancer research and awareness. The E.J. McGovern Crane Hire managing director signed up to Prostate United following his father Thomas’s prostate cancer diagnosis in July.
Kieran says early diagnosis has given the family reason to be hopeful about Thomas’s prognosis. His October challenge is intended to support the charity’s work and help other families facing the disease.
Five Kilometres a Day Throughout October
Kieran’s challenge is to run five kilometres every day in October, a planned total of 155 kilometres across the month. The wider Prostate United campaign brings football supporters together to walk or run daily while raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Kieran’s team, McGovern United, has been joined by Liam McGovern and Mark West of Liebherr.
The team participates in the campaign’s fundraising league table alongside teams associated with clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. McGovern United has also been recognised as a team of the week.
Support Exceeds the Original £500 Target
Kieran initially set a fundraising target of £500.
Donations exceeded £3,000 within 24 hours, and he reports that the team’s combined fundraising has since passed £9,000. Contributions have come from friends and family, colleagues across the crane and lifting industry, and supporters previously unknown to the McGoverns. The response has brought a wider community into an effort that began as a personal show of support for Thomas.
A Personal Appeal to Help Other Families
Kieran has spoken about both the charity’s purpose and the significance of the response to his family.
Kieran said:
“Prostate cancer kills one man every 45 minutes, that's half a football match, but it doesn’t have to be this way. This October, I’ve signed up for Prostate United so I’ll be walking or running every day alongside thousands of other football fans, all taking on the same rival… prostate cancer. I’m raising money to find better tests and treatments so more dads, partners and mates get the chance to see another match day.
“It’s been a difficult time for our family but seeing everyone come together for Dad has meant so much to us and knowing that what we’re doing could help other men and families going through the same thing means the world. If you can, sponsor me. Every donation helps fund lifesaving research for men and their families. Thank you.”
Prostate Cancer UK uses the one-death-every-45-minutes figure to describe the disease’s impact in the UK.
How to Support McGovern United
Donations can be made through the official Team McGovern fundraising page.
The page explains the family’s motivation and provides a direct route to contribute to Prostate Cancer UK. Kieran’s reported team total may differ from the amount displayed on an individual fundraising page.
About E.J. McGovern Crane Hire
E.J. McGovern Crane Hire is a UK lifting specialist founded in 1995. The business began when a father and son purchased their first mobile crane, a Coles 3033.
The company provides crane hire, contract lifting and machinery moving, supporting customers with project-specific lifting requirements nationwide. Its development has included investment in modern cranes, specialist handling equipment and personnel.
Its machinery-moving services complement the mobile crane operation, providing equipment for relocating and positioning loads where conventional crane access may be restricted.
Official website: www.mcgoverncranehire.co.uk
About Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK is a charity supporting efforts to improve outcomes for men affected by prostate cancer.
Its work includes funding research into better tests and treatments, raising awareness and providing information and support for people affected by the disease.
Prostate United is its football-focused October fundraising campaign, bringing supporters together through daily activity challenges. Participants raise money individually or as teams, connecting their football communities with the charity’s work.
Official website: www.prostatecanceruk.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kieran McGovern fundraising?
His father, Thomas, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July, prompting Kieran to support Prostate Cancer UK.
What challenge is he undertaking?
He is running five kilometres a day throughout October, a planned total of 155 kilometres.
How much has the team raised?
Kieran reports that McGovern United has raised more than £9,000, exceeding his original £500 target.
Who has joined McGovern United?
The team includes Kieran, Liam McGovern and Mark West of Liebherr.
Where can people donate?
Donations can be made through the official Team McGovern fundraising page linked above.
