The “biggest balls in the UK” projected onto a Manchester billboard have stopped people travelling in and out of the city centre in their tracks today.
You may have read the title and clocked the date, but we promise this isn’t an April Fool.
The first day of April may be more widely-known as the international day of the prank or practical joke, but crucially, it also signals the beginning of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, one dedicated charity organisation has projected the biggest balls in the UK on the side of Manchester’s flagship billboard as part of its #TalkingBollocks campaign.
The aim of the striking billboard is to not only raise awareness of testicular cancer – which is the most common cancer in men aged 15-45 – but also to encourage people to get into the habit of “checking their balls every month” to spot the signs early.
The billboard’s arrival in Manchester is the work of the Robin Cancer Trust, which was founded by 32-year-old Toby Freeman after he tragically lost his brother Robin to testicular cancer at age just 24.
— The Robin Cancer Trust (@RCTcharity) April 1, 2022
2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK, which is more than six people per day, and sadly, it’s also on the rise too, with cases increasing by more than a quarter since the early 1990’s.
However, it’s also one of the most curable forms of cancer, and, if caught early, is 98% curable, which is why monthly self-checks are so important.
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The Robin Cancer Trust therefore created the #TalkingBollocks campaign to get men talking about their balls, as by starting conversations through the campaign, they can break down the stigma.
The “biggest balls in the UK” have been projected onto a billboard in Manchester city centre / Credit: The Robin Cancer Trust
Speaking on the instalment of the billboard in Manchester, Toby Freeman – Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust – says: “Spreading awareness of testicular cancer in the most creative ways has always been our priority, so more people can see and act on our messages.
“After seeing previous national campaigns on the billboard in Manchester I was obsessed with getting a pair of balls on there to encourage people to check their own.
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“So we made it happen.”
For more information, support and how to get involved with the #TalkingBalls campaign, you can visit The Robin Cancer Trust website here.
Featured Image – The Robin Cancer Trust
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
1st April 2022 
