Former Goggleboxer Tom Malone Jr has opened up on his family's cancer tragedy.
He has taken on a challenge to walk 11,000 steps a day for Prostate Cancer UK, as he revealed that the charity is a cause "close to the family's hearts". The Malones, who all still feature on the Channel 4 show without Tom Jr, have been affected by cancer in numerous ways over the years.
The 28-year-old's two grandads, great aunt and a cousin have all suffered from some form of the disease in the past. Prostate cancer holds a high risk for men with 11,500 people losing their lives to the disease each year.
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Tom said he hopes his involvement with the campaign will raise further awareness and encourage men to get checked. He said that he looks at the statistics and remembers the lives of dads, brothers, cousins, uncles and sons who have succumbed to the illness.
Speaking to the Express, he said: "It points out that it can happen to anyone at any time, so you kind of have to make the most of the time you've got.
"If there's anything we can do to support the research or help this disease and help people or prolong peoples' lives then you kind of have to do it.
"It's something that doesn't get talked about enough."
Back in June of this year, the family took part in an abseil to raise funds for those battling lung cancer. They supported the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation as they took on dizzying heights.
At the time, they thanked fans for support as they said: "Thank you, thank you, thank you xxxx Every penny helps xxx.
"We lost a wonderful Dad, Dad in law and our children lost a phenomenal Grandad to this horrible disease, also Tom's Aunty Kay a brilliant lady .xx Cancer affects everyone in some way let's try our best to help !! Thanks again xxx"
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