The Wanted star Jay McGuiness, of Newark, backs Macmillan Cancer Support’s Find The Words campaign
Silence can be deadly, especially when it comes to talking about health. But Newark's Jay McGuiness wants to open up the conversation.
After losing his close friend and fellow The Wanted bandmate Tom Parker in March 2022, Jay is urging men to be open about how they feel, writes Sarah Cure.
The singer-songwriter is now working with cancer charity Macmillan to encourage men to speak out through a new Find The Words campaign.
“We know that men can struggle to talk and sometimes feel they’re in a situation that’s impossible to get out, but you’d be surprised at how many people lower their own walls when you speak out and have a conversation,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky to have familiar faces around me when I’ve needed support, we were a band of five for a long time and I’m from a family of five too. We’ve always tried to be really open with one another and being able to have a chat in a safe space, like when Tom received his diagnosis, has been incredibly helpful during times when I’ve been in need.”
“I know it can be difficult at first but reaching out can only lift the load.”
Macmillan's research suggests that some 250,000 men living with cancer in the UK are currently struggling with feelings such as fear, depression or worry because of their diagnosis. Yet more than half (55%) have not sought any support.
The 32-year-old star is one of several celebrities, including Tom Daley, Bill Bailey and Trevor Nelson,to have been photographed by award-winning photographer Ray Burmiston as part of the Find The Words campaign.
The celebrities have joined forces with Macmillan to break down barriers many men can face when it comes to talking, highlighting the importance of leaning on friends, family or Macmillan for support.
Chris Bolton, service knowledge specialist on the support line at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We continue to see fewer calls from men contacting the Macmillan Support Line, but we want men to know, that there is support available. We find many men hold back from talking, to protect the people around them, to not be a burden on their family, or a bother to their friends but it doesn’t have to be this way.
“Our specially trained nurses and advisers are at the end of the phone seven days a week (8am-8pm) for people living or affected by cancer, whatever they need to ask. There’s also our Online Community where men can chat anonymously if that feels more comfortable.”
More help and support call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk/findthewords
Macmillan Cancer Support is doing whatever it takes to help people find the words to talk about cancer. It’s not easy to talk about cancer, but talking could help.
