Have you seen this odd car parked on campus?
06 October 2023
Staff and students may have spotted an eye-catching car on campus this term and wondered what it was all about.
The brightly-coloured car with ‘OddBalls’ written on the side is being driven by a Reading student who is volunteering as an ambassador for UK testicular cancer awareness charity, the OddBalls Foundation.
Esther Morgan, a third-year Business Economics student, is the charity’s 2023/24 University Ambassador for Reading after successfully applying this summer.
As part of this, she has been provided with the striking car to help her raise awareness and encourage people to check themselves for signs of testicular cancer. The University has provided a parking permit to support her work.
Esther will also deliver 15 talks top local school and businesses, distribute ‘check yourself’ guides and complete a fundraiser – likely to be either the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge or a half marathon in the spring.
Esther said: “I have a family friend who sadly passed away from the disease whilst still at school, aged 18. He was embarrassed to speak up to a family member or doctor until it became too late and the cancer spread.
“As a female, I feel a particular duty to learn more about this illness and educate both men and women about spotting the signs.
“The car has certainly already attracted some attention on campus and driving around the Reading area – mission accomplished as this will hopefully encourage people to check out the Foundation online and learn more about its incredible work.
“Whilst the role officially started last month, I have already booked in some talks with local schools in the Berkshire area and am also in talks with Arsenal FC to educate their players on the importance of Testicular Cancer. Lots of exciting initiatives in the pipeline!”
The OddBalls car will be parked on campus most weekdays, and you might spot it near the Chaplaincy or Health and Life Sciences building, or sometimes at the SportsPark.
Follow and support Esther’s ambassador work by following her on @ejom2 on Instagram. She can be contacted on reading@theoddballsfoundation.com.
Esther Morgan on Whiteknights campus with the eye catching Oddballs Foundation car she is using to raise awareness of testicular cancer