Select a region
Trevor Kelham, founder and chairman of local charity MUG, has stepped down from his role and handed over the reins to the charity’s treasurer and council member, Dan Collins.
After losing too many friends and family members to male cancer, Trevor helped to established Male Uprising in Guernsey (MUG) in 2012. His aim was to increase awareness of, and help those who are affected by, prostate, bowel and testicular cancers. Trevor and the council members set themselves an ambitious goal to raise £250,000 over three years.
Thanks to the charity’s work, Trevor’s direction and energy, and most importantly, the generosity of the people of Guernsey, MUG smashed its target, raising approximately £1 million in just four and a half years.
During Trevor's time with the charity, MUG and its supporters have organised and paid for a male health conference for the island's medical community, funded Guernsey's first specialist male oncology nurse and paid for equipment to help the detection of prostate cancers. A visit to the island by Sir Bradley Wiggins was another highlight and MUG has carried out several, high profile awareness campaigns that have had a proven impact on the early detection of male cancers in Guernsey.
Activities such as the Beard-Up campaign, Bermuda Shorts week, the planting at Salerie Corner, the bi-annual coastal bike ride and many others have been lead by Trevor and raised considerable funds for the charity's work.
Trevor's contribution was recognised by The Community Foundation's Community Awards in 2014 when the charity won Fundraising Team of the Year, and Trevor was awarded the Outstanding Individual Achievement accolade.
Dan Collins, who has experienced the trauma of cancer first-hand, has assumed the role of Chairman. ‘I have unending respect for Trevor. He has given a huge amount of time and energy to his charity work. MUG simply would not have achieved what it has without him at the helm. I hope I can do him proud and lead the charity in the same way.’
Speaking about his time with the charity, Trevor says: ‘When I started MUG, I never dreamed it would have such a big impact. The incredible support that the charity receives from the people of Guernsey never ceases to amaze me and has made the charity the success that it is.
‘It’s been a pleasure to serve the community. Although I’m sad to be leaving, I’m delighted to be handing over the chairmanship to Dan, who I know will do a great job at continuing the charity’s vital work.’
Dan is well suited to his new position, as he is currently in remission after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012. Dan has played a key role in MUG's education and awareness campaign, using his experience to motivate men, whatever their age, to be more assertive, responsive and questioning of their symptoms or concerns. He has also drawn great support from all those involved with MUG while dealing with his illness.
Council member, Tony Tostevin says: ‘Trevor has done a fantastic job during his time with MUG and leaves a big pair of shoes to fill. We all look forward to continuing his work and ensuring that MUG and male cancer remain very much in the public eye.’
