Latest news with #SueBrand
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Test Fest in Somerset 'a gathering point for cancer survivors'
A festival described by one organiser as "a gathering point for survivors" of cancer will return this Hoosiers and Woody Cook will headline Test Fest, which will take place at Taunton Rugby Football Club on Saturday 21 June to raise awareness of testicular event began in 2017 when Sue Brand, founder of charity It's in the Bag Cancer Support, said the charity found younger men preferred live music to charity Brand said: "What we want is for people to come to the festival and really enjoy themselves, learn a bit about testicular cancer, the charity and the work we do, and how we support people from Hereford right down to Truro." Ms Brand said a second stage is being introduced at Test Fest, where ticket holders often don bright orange underpants over their clothes."We turn away probably between 100 and 150 artists every year, so we've got a smaller stage this year for some acoustic bands but also some fantastic bands and artists that are up and coming," she artists billed to perform at the event include Break Beat Bandits, The Jamestown Brothers, and Whisky Brand said the festival was a place for people to meet and have a chat with others who have also lived with testicular cancer. "That's what the whole festival is about," she said."We started Test Fest because one of the guys who'd had testicular cancer said to me: 'Not everyone likes rugby and football... there's a lot of young guys that love music'."It's actually a really family friendly festival because most men who have testicular cancer are in their 30s.""Come and have a chat with us, listen to the music, have a cider - or two - and have a good time."
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Minchinhampton men saddle up for 300-mile testicular cancer ride
TWO Minchinhampton men are taking part in a 300-mile charity bike ride. Mike Jacobs and Dave Land are among 18 people who taking part in the Le Tour de Balls Quatre, organised by South West testicular cancer charity It's In The Bag. The event will see the cyclists - all wearing orange Y fronts - ride 300 miles in three days, starting on Saturday, May 3 and finishing on Monday, May 5. The route will take them through North Devon, Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Mr Land said: "It's definitely a step into the unknown but the support from friends and family has been fantastic. "Three hundred miles in three days feels like an insurmountable number, but like they say, all we need to do is just ride the bike." The event has been organised to raise awareness and funds for It's In The Bag, the only testicular cancer charity in the South West of England. The charity provides support to those affected by testicular cancer and aims to raise awareness of the disease. The Le Tour de Balls event was first held in 2016 and takes place every three years. It was the brainchild of Sue Brand, founder of It's In The Bag, and Will King, a submariner from Bristol who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013. Sue Brand said: "Big birthday year and big birthday tour and why not? "We are so lucky to have such brave and determined supporters who are kind enough to take on the challenge. "This year our team is 18 strong and includes a few men who have taken part in every tour since 2016." The event is supported by various businesses and volunteers. The charity is still looking for volunteers to help at the stops and encourages people to come and support the riders. Donations can be made online via: The charity also provides information on how to check for testicular cancer and encourages men to do this on a monthly basis. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and survival, with 96 per cent of young men diagnosed with testicular cancer being cured.
