Wrestling Superstar Hopes To Make Men Cancer Aware
Insane Fight Club wrestler Grado has today been named an ambassador for ex-Celtic star John Hartson’s cancer charity.
Grado – whose catchphrase is ‘It’s yersel’ – will work with the John Hartson Foundation’s #knowyourballs campaign in a bid to raise awareness of the symptoms of testicular cancer.
The 27-year-old is looking forward to his first official engagement as ambassador – which is a voluntary role – at the charity’s inaugural ladies lunch, at Mar Hall Golf and Spa resort, Bishopton, on Sunday, September 6.
He’ll be joined by Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who plays Andy Sugden in the long-running soap. The event will be hosted by Lisa Hague, partner of Celtic striker Kris Commons, and Clyde 1 DJ Gina McKie. Top Scots band The Cartel are also performing.
Grado – whose real name is Graeme Stevely – said: “There’s no polite way to say this - I’ll be talking balls to the ladies as it’s just as important to spread the word about testicular cancer to the girls as it is to the guys.
“There’s no reason why they can’t help their partners check their testicles for any lumps or other worrying symptoms and help spread the word to their fathers, brothers, sons and cousins – it really is that important.
“I’m looking forward to the lunch and hope lots of ladies will come along and meet me and Kelvin, who seems like a top bloke.
“I’m honoured to have been appointed ambassador to the John Hartson Foundation and I’m going to make sure I take every opportunity possible to promote the fantastic work they do and enourage men and women not to be shy about talking about testicles and checking for problems.”
Grado, from Stevenston, Ayrshire, found fame in the BBC’s Insane Fight Club documentary which lifted the lid on the brutal world of British professional wrestling. He has also starred in Glasgow soap River City and spoof police reality show the Scot Squad.
He was among a host of sports stars including ex-Rangers boss Walter Smith and Hibs manager Alan Stubbs who helped John launch the #knowyourballs campaign at the charity’s annual golf day in April.
The John Hartson Foundation was set up following the ex-Arsenal, West Ham and Wales striker’s life-threatening battle with testicular cancer in 2009.
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect men between the ages of 15 and 49. If caught early enough, it has a cure rate of more than 96 percent.
John said: “Grado’s a great guy and has already shown us so much support, as all our ambassadors and patrons do by giving up their time and putting in so much effort to help us. If anyone sums up our motto, Grab Life by the Balls, it’s Grado and while we’re putting across a serious message, we look forward to lots of laughs along the way.”