“If you look after your car, why not look after yourself?”
That’s the question that changed thousands of lives — and it came from one man in a North London garage.
Meet Errol McKellar MBE — mechanic, football coach, prostate cancer survivor, and founder of The Errol McKellar Foundation. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary change begins in the most ordinary of places.
The Moment That Changed Everything
In 2010, Errol visited his GP for a routine appointment — nothing serious, just to ask about his snoring. Before leaving, he asked almost as an afterthought whether he could have a PSA blood test to check his prostate health.
That decision saved his life.
Errol’s results came back showing aggressive prostate cancer. He underwent surgery in 2011 followed by radiotherapy — a journey that would test his strength but ultimately shape his purpose.
“I didn’t have symptoms. I didn’t feel unwell. But that test changed everything. It made me realise how many men, like me, wouldn’t even think to ask.”
From Coach to Campaigner
Before cancer entered his life, Errol was known in his community for something else entirely — football. For nearly three decades, he coached youth teams and scouted talented young players across London. His garage in Hoxton was as famous for football banter as it was for car repairs.
After recovering, he turned that same energy toward a new mission: raising awareness of prostate cancer, especially among Black African and Caribbean men, who face a 1 in 4 risk — compared to 1 in 8 for other men in the UK.
His approach was simple but brilliant. Every customer who brought a car in for service got a little “life MOT” too:
“If you’re willing to check your engine oil,” Errol would say, “you should be willing to check your own health.”
Many listened — and several men later returned to thank him, saying his advice had led to early diagnoses that saved their lives.
The Birth of The Errol McKellar Foundation
In 2018, Errol founded The Errol McKellar Foundation — a registered UK charity (No. 1181574) with one mission: to save lives through awareness, education, and action.
Through his signature “MOT Yourself” campaign, the foundation encourages men to see their health checks as regular maintenance — just like servicing a car.
The foundation’s outreach includes:
“Too many men are dying because we don’t talk,” says Errol. “We’ve got to make it normal for men to ask questions about their health — to look after themselves and each other.”
Recognition and Impact
Errol’s tireless dedication has inspired national recognition. He was awarded an MBE for services to raising awareness of prostate cancer. He’s also become a sought-after public speaker, using humour, honesty, and compassion to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
But for Errol, the greatest reward isn’t medals or headlines — it’s the men who walk up to him after a talk and say, “You saved my life.”
Why His Work Matters
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men in the UK. Every 45 minutes, another man is diagnosed. And because symptoms can be silent, awareness and early testing are crucial.
Errol’s message is simple but powerful:
“Knowledge saves lives. The more we talk, the more men we can reach — and the fewer families will lose a husband, brother, or father too soon.”
How You Can Help
You can support The Errol McKellar Foundation in several ways:
Together, we can carry Errol’s message further — helping men take control of their health and their futures.
In His Own Words
“We check our cars more often than our bodies — and that needs to change. Early detection gave me another chance at life. Now it’s my job to make sure other men get theirs too.”
Visit The Errol McKellar Foundation to donate, volunteer, or book a talk.
Follow the foundation on social media for upcoming community events, PSA testing drives, and awareness campaigns.
