Meet the Team: Ian Arnison-Phillips

Welcome to the third post in our blog series – meet the team! Gain an insight into the lives of the people who run, support or volunteer for Baggy Trousers UK.

In this edition we meet one of our trustees – Ian Arnison-Phillips.

1) What does your role involve for BTUK?

I have been a trustee for almost a year now I think, and my main role is to create and manage our content output. Soon I will be getting more ‘hands on’ involved with our peer support groups with our upcoming writing workshop – more details to come!

2) Where were you born and where are you from now?

Manchester born and bred, currently living in Radcliffe. I’ve spent 4 years in Newcastle and 3 years in Leeds before now though.

3) What do you do for a job away from the charity?

Director of a content services company, author and poet.

4) How do you take your tea or coffee?

I don’t. Give me Vimto anytime though!

5) Do you have experience of testicular cancer, either first hand or second hand?

First hand – diagnosed April 2021. Stage 1, operation with no chemotherapy required. Sounds daft, but I’m one of the lucky ones in that respect. I noticed the lump early enough and had it checked out straight away, so the cancer didn’t spread. I want to encourage others to do the same.

6) How often do you check your nuts?

Daily.

7) What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?

A DJ – or Liam Gallagher haha

8) What was the last book you read and the last film you watched?

Book: It’s What He Would’ve Wanted – Sean Hughes

Film: One Hour Photo

9) If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be and why?

Charlie Brooker just to access his mind for 24 hours.

10) What is your favourite BTUK blog?

This one – obviously!

11) What is your favourite genres of music?

House or 1990s/2010s indie rock and roll.

12) What’s the best place you have ever been to?

Maine Road or Bali – both very similar.

13) What do you hope to achieve with BTUK?

To get more men to talk about their feelings, to release any stigma around testicular cancer, and raise awareness around the importance of regularly self-checking. I want to normalise the subject, so men aren’t embarrassed to talk about it or get checked out if they have symptoms.

14) Tell us something not many people would know about you!

I documented my journey through my testicular cancer experience to provide a source of information, reassurance and a real life story for other men who may also be on their own journey through it. Check it out – www.droptheball.uk.

Want to be part of a team that makes a real difference?

Here at Baggy Trousers UK we are always looking for new ways to raise awareness and offer support. This includes welcoming volunteers and expanding on the team we already have. Over the coming weeks we will release a few more blogs in this series, revealing the names and faces behind our charity, and what they do for us.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee for BTUK then we are more than happy to have that conversation. What we do has a real impact on people’s lives, helping those impacted by testicular cancer and going through treatment. It is extremely rewarding and an incredibly important role to raise awareness, release the stigma, and save lives.

For more information contact us using our contact form, or get hold of us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).