Are you ready to ‘talk tackle’? For the fourth year running, we're back with our hugely impactful Check Your Tools campaign, to raise awareness about testicular cancer. Teaming up again with The OddBalls Foundation, Toolbank, and DeWalt, we're is on a mission to get people talking about men’s health.

New Year, New Pants, Same Important Message

Launching on 1st April to coincide with Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, the 2025 is going to be the biggest and boldest yet. This year, we've gone retro as a homage to our 30th anniversary, introducing a limited-edition ’90s-inspired design of MKM-branded OddBalls underwear.

Make a £3 donation at our branches, online, or at the below events, so you can grab yourself a pair of our limited-edition pants. They're limited-edition meaning there's limited stock too - only available at participating branches! All proceeds go directly to The OddBalls Foundation.

Sporting Events, Giveaways, and Bricky

Hull City and Hull KR are stepping into action with us this April, hosting Check Your Tools match day events packed with activities, including football challenges, giveaways, and opportunities to learn more about early detection. The OddPod, a pop-up education hub courtesy of The OddBalls Foundation, will also be making appearances at key fixtures.

Here’s where and when to find all the fun this April:

• 11 April – Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors (OddPod at Craven Streat)
• 14 April – Hull City vs Coventry City
• 21 April – Hull City vs Preston North End (OddPod fan zone outside stadium)
• 26 April – Hull City vs Derby County

And if that’s not exciting enough, our beloved mascot, Bricky, is ready to hit the road once more. Standing tall at 6’5”, Bricky will be popping up at events, appearing in campaign content, and bringing smiles wherever he goes. Keep an eye out for him on social media when he returns centre stage for Superhero Pant Day on 25 April.

Last year’s campaign reached over 250,000 people on MKM’s social platforms, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger. Every post and every conversation is spreading an important message.

Making Testicular Cancer Awareness Unmissable

Nicola Ollett, our Marketing Director, explained the heart of the campaign perfectly:

“The ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign is all about breaking down stigma, getting people talking, and helping our customers look after themselves in a way that feels fun, bold, and unmissably MKM. We’re proud to be going even bigger for 2025 - and we can’t wait to see Bricky back in action.”

Kieran Kelly, Foundation Manager at The OddBalls Foundation, shared:

“The ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign has become a vital awareness driver for testicular cancer in the trades and beyond, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going with new events, content and partnerships this April. Testicular cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in men aged 15-49, with around 2,400 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year – that’s roughly six men every day. Through MKM’s branches, partnerships, and suppliers, we’re able to reach a huge number of the people most likely to be affected.”

Aimee Cooper, Senior eCommerce & Digital Manager at DeWalt, added:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with MKM for a 4^th year running. Last year’s collaboration was such a success, showing us how this campaign is instrumental in raising awareness for tradesmen nationwide to #CheckYourTools. After seeing the results from 2024, we are committed to expanding the campaign even bigger this year, leveraging our DEWALT audience to encourage them to get involved also. Watch out for ‘Bricky’ making an appearance across our social media channels soon!”

Get Bold, Get Talking, and Make a Difference

With its mix of retro flair, impactful activations, and a clear message rooted in awareness, the 2025 Check Your Tools campaign promises to go further than ever. Whether you’re snapping up a pair of funky boxers, cheering along at a Hull City or Hull KR match, or joining the conversation online, your support matters.

Testicular cancer affects six men in the UK every day. Early detection saves lives, so don’t hesitate to check your tools and encourage others to do the same.

Find out more here.