Prostate Cancer UK kicks off review

Prostate Cancer UK, the charity whch brought Bob Monkhouse back to life to warn of the dangers of the disease, is hunting a direct marketing agency to handle its fundraising account.
The organisation appointed digital agency Zone last year and has worked with a number of other agencies over the past few years, including Futureproof, Exposure, Chemistry, The Communications Agency (now Psona), and Holmes Hobbs Marcantonio, which devised its current Men United strategy.
The concept hinges on the proposition of “keeping friendships alive”, and features the “Men United” logo. It is now seeking an agency with experience across a range of direct marketing and, in particular, DRTV, direct mail and online.
So far, much of the work has centred on the sporting community, with tie-ups with rugby and football clubs as well as cycling. It has also used celebrities including Bill Bailey and Ray Winstone to front campaigns.
Perhaps its best known direct marketing work was the 2007 campaign featuring the late Bob Monkhouse talking from “beyond the grave”. The Give a Few Bob initiative, pictured the late comedian strolling among gravestones and asked viewers to donate.
Mark Bishop, the director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It is good practice to review all agency partners on a regular basis.” The appointment should be finalised by May.