Wildstone Founder Damian Cox Launches Cancer Fundraiser Following Diagnosis

Oct. 07, 2026

Damian Cox, Global CEO and Founder of Wildstone, the world’s largest owner of outdoor media assets, has launched a £10,000 fundraising campaign for Children with Cancer UK after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Cox has undergone surgery to remove a tumour following his diagnosis three weeks ago, and ahead of starting chemotherapy, shaved his head in front of colleagues at Wildstone’s office to pre-empt expected hair loss.

Cox has shared a video of his head being shaved, in which he explains his diagnosis, and calls on friends, colleagues and the wider advertising and OOH industries to support Children with Cancer UK.

Around 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. Children with Cancer UK funds specialist research aimed at developing better and kinder treatments, alongside providing support to children with cancer and their families.

Cox is also using his diagnosis to raise awareness of testicular cancer and encourage men to regularly check themselves. Testicular cancer is most common in men aged between 15 and 49 and is often treatable.

Damian Cox, Global CEO and Founder of Wildstone, said:

"Three weeks ago, what I thought would be a normal day turned out not to be. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I start chemotherapy next week and, as a middle-aged man, I've got to say I’m a little bit frightened. I wanted to turn some of that fear and anxiety into something positive for children who must be even more terrified by the diagnosis they’ve been given – in many cases facing circumstances far worse than mine. This isn’t about me. It’s about recognising the children going through cancer and doing whatever we can to give them the best possible chance of a long and happy life. It doesn’t matter whether it’s 20p, £20 or £20,000 – we’ll take it all. I know from experience just how generous the OOH industry can be, so I’d love everybody who can to get behind this, donate or simply help us spread the word. Let’s turn this negative into a positive."

 

The fundraiser follows Cox's major charity effort in 2025, when he took on a 15-day attempt to climb Ama Dablam, one of the Himalayas’ most technically challenging mountains. Together with a subsequent charity auction, the challenge raised almost £165,000 for Young Epilepsy and Lupus UK.

The outdoor advertising industry played a major role in supporting that effort, with businesses including Multiply Media Group, Global, i-media, Bauer Media Outdoor and Hillenaar Outdoor among those making corporate donations.

Cox is now hoping the industry will once again come together in support of Children with Cancer UK.