Matt Forde becomes Bone Cancer Research Trust ambassador
The Leeds-based charity Bone Cancer Research Trust has announced Matt Forde has become its newest ambassador.
The charity explains: "Matt was diagnosed with chordoma, a form of primary bone cancer, in 2023. Matt experienced blistering nerve pain in his left buttock which escalated quickly over just a couple of weeks to a point where his pain was so extreme he couldn't move. Matt was referred for an MRI and received the devastating news of a sacral chordoma diagnosis.
"Despite everything Matt has been through, his positivity and passion to support the Bone Cancer Research Trust shined through as he offered to help in any way he could."
Commenting on his new appointment, Forde says: "Awareness of primary bone cancer is vital. It can be the difference between life and death. It can also be the difference in your quality of life following treatment. In my case, finding it when I did means that despite having the base of my spine removed, I can still walk.
"I'm determined to raise as much awareness as possible, alongside raising crucial funds to drive research forward which is desperately needed. We don't know enough about rare forms of cancer like the one I had.
"That's why I'm delighted to become an ambassador of the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Having had bone cancer, I continue to live with the effects of surgery. I have a stoma, have to self-catheterise and also suffer from erectile dysfunction, which is hard. Sorry, I mean soft."
Forde has previously welcomed the team from the Bone Cancer Research Trust to his gigs in Leeds, Cambridge, Southend, Nottingham, Brighton and Cardiff introducing the charity and what they do to his audiences who have generously donated over £8,000 to-date.
Will Burchell, CEO at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, comments: "It was an absolute honour to meet Matt in person on his tour and witness him stand in front of hundreds of people, passionately sharing more about the charity and our mission, Now, it is an even greater pleasure to welcome Matt as our ambassador.
"Matt has already helped us to raise an incredible amount of awareness and funds to support our vital work. As he welcomed us on his tour, we wholeheartedly welcome him on our journey as our ambassador until there's a cure."
For more information about chordoma and the signs and symptoms visit the Bone Cancer Research Trust's website: www.bcrt.org.uk/chordoma