Councillor supports Paint Altrincham Blue campaign

A Councillor is urging Trafford residents to help brave prostate cancer victim Tony Collier Paint Altrincham Blue!

Tony, who is the current Provost of Altrincham, is launching a huge campaign to raise awareness by turning the market town blue for a week.

He is working with Altrincham Unlimited who have written dozens of letters to every business in Altrincham inviting them to support the venture which runs from November 2 to 7. The plan is to illuminate as many buildings and business premises blue and to start the dialogue about awareness.

Tony said:

“I am doing this to let as many men as possible know about men’s health and prostate cancer in particular. I went from training to run an ultra-marathon to terminally ill in 36 hours in May 2017 when my runner’s groin strain turned out to be far worse. I was told that I may only have two years to live and, amazingly, they told me I’d probably had it for 10 years from age 50 - I was 60 at diagnosis. In that 10 years I’d run 19 marathons and a 56 mile ultra-marathon. I’d had no symptoms whatsoever!

When I was appointed Provost of Altrincham I made it a pledge to use the position to raise awareness hence the idea of painting Altrincham blue for a week to raise awareness of men’s health, particularly prostate and testicular cancers and men’s mental health.”

The highlight of the event will come on Saturday, November 7 when a Heritage/Health Walk will take place. Walkers will start nears the soldier war memorial in Hale and, subject to permission, will finish in Stamford Square, Altrincham. Participants can commence any time between 10ama and 2pm and they will self-guide after they have downloaded a special map. The map will show landmarks taking in the town's heritage sites whilst presenting facts about health.

Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities, said:

Tony Collier is going through hell with his cancer and is now bravely raising awareness so that more men don’t have to go through the same. His idea to paint Altrincham blue is inspirational and I cannot wait to get involved in what is a superb campaign.

I would urge everyone in Altrincham and the rest of the borough to get involved. Cancer is an awful illness and it destroys lives – I applaud Tony for all his hard work in increasing awareness. We are also aware many have not attended their GP or hospital due to covid, however our health services are safe to access and we want people to get checked out if they have any concerns.”

Tony is well known in Altrincham having been Chairman and board member of Altrincham Chamber of Commerce, board member of Altrincham Forward and Chair of Altrincham Neighbourhood Business. He is hoping to be able to deliver awareness talks via Zoom and is working with three charities - Prostate Cancer UK, MIND and Orchid.

There is a fundraising page and Facebook page for all those wishing to get involved in the week

Posted on Monday 19th October 2020