Why Builders and Footy Fans are Being Told to ‘check your tools’ this April

Let’s be honest—no one loves awkward health chats. But ignoring stuff like testicular cancer? That’s way riskier. That’s why MKM, the UK’s biggest independent builders’ merchant, is back for the fourth year running with its bold, pants-powered ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign, kicking off 1st April 2025.

It’s fun, a little cheeky, but seriously important. This year, the campaign teams up again with The OddBalls Foundation, Toolbank, and DeWalt to get the message out—especially to the people who need it most: tradespeople, footy fans, and young blokes who might not give much thought to health checks until it's too late.

What is the ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign?

Basically, it’s about reminding guys to regularly check themselves for signs of testicular cancer—but in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or embarrassing. It uses humour, bold branding, and good old-fashioned events to get people talking.

You’ll see colourful boxer briefs, pop-up events, social media stunts, and even appearances by MKM’s very own 6’5” brick-shaped mascot, Bricky. It’s all about encouraging open chats and making regular self-checks feel as normal as checking the weather before a job.

So why pants?

Great question. MKM’s bringing back its signature retro-style OddBalls underwear, created just for the 2025 campaign, to celebrate its 30th birthday (yes, MKM was born in the ‘90s too). For just a £3 donation, anyone can bag a pair—whether you're in-store, online, or at one of the campaign’s special pop-up events.

All the money goes to The OddBalls Foundation, who travel across the UK in their bright blue OddPod—a mobile education unit that drops facts and tips on men’s health, no judgement, no lectures.

Where you can find the campaign this April

This isn’t just a social media thing. MKM is literally taking the message to the pitch this April with appearances at big Hull City and Hull KR games.

Here’s when and where to catch the action:

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

These match days will be full of energy—think giveaways, mini football challenges, and cheeky reminders about checking yourself out (yes, down there). It’s all designed to get fans engaged in a way that feels fun and memorable.

Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Bricky—he’s back in the spotlight, showing up in social content and making a scene wherever he goes.

A few more dates for your diary

• 1 April – Campaign officially launches
• 25 April – Superhero Pant Day! Expect peak silliness on social media, with Bricky probably in some questionable lycra.

Last year, MKM’s content reached over 250,000 people. That’s a whole lot of conversations started about something that too often goes unsaid.

Why this matters (a lot more than you think)

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15–49. Around 2,400 guys are diagnosed each year in the UK—that’s roughly six every single day.

The good news? If it’s caught early, it’s very treatable. That’s why knowing your body and spotting changes matters so much.

Kieran Kelly, Foundation Manager at The OddBalls Foundation, explains it like this:

“The ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign has become a vital awareness driver for testicular cancer in the trades and beyond... Through MKM’s branches, partnerships, and suppliers, we’re able to reach a huge number of the people most likely to be affected.”

And let’s be real—most tradies aren’t looking up medical advice between tea breaks. That’s where this campaign comes in.

What MKM, DeWalt and Toolbank are saying

This isn’t a one-man mission. It’s a proper team effort.

Nicola Ollett, MKM’s Marketing Director, said:

“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.”

And from DeWalt, who’ve backed this campaign for four years now, Aimee Cooper added:

“After seeing the results from 2024, we are committed to expanding the campaign even bigger this year... Watch out for ‘Bricky’ making an appearance across our social media channels soon!”

Quick ways to get involved

• Donate £3 to grab your own pair of retro OddBalls boxers
• Join the conversation on social using #CheckYourTools
• Visit an MKM branch or look out for the OddPod at events
• Share the message with your mates—especially the ones who’d rather talk about their toolbox than their, well, tools

Testicular cancer isn’t rare. But catching it early makes a massive difference. So have a check. Ask your mate if he has. And if you see a brick mascot wearing bright pants this April, maybe take that as your sign.

Go on—check your tools.