Saturday’s prostate testing day was a far greater success than anyone could ever have imagined. Organised by Stalybridge charity Cancer Warriors, testing was carried out by Leighton Hospital Prostate Support Group and the event was hosted and supported by Stalybridge Celtic Juniors.
In just three hours, 275 people were tested. This is a huge number and far more than anyone ever expected. The numbers were delivered thanks to an excellent awareness campaign run in the days and weeks prior to the event by Stalybridge Celtic Juniors and Cancer Warriors, and the outstanding professionalism of the LHPSG team who managed to carry out all 275 tests on the day.
The runaway success of the event proves what can be achieved when regional charities and voluntary organisations work together for the good of the wider community.
The prostate testing day could have saved lives. Many people will put off visiting their GP, or may have no symptoms that something is wrong. By pulling together the resources of the three groups involved, and the informal setting of Stalybridge Celtic Juniors Soccer School, hundreds of men have been tested who otherwise would most likely not have been.
Mike Taylor, Stalybridge Celtic Juniors chairman, who was instrumental in organising the day, said ‘The day has absolutely blown me away, it was great to see so many men turn up to get tested. We continue to build our close relationship with Cancer Warriors, a local charity who share our passion for supporting community projects. A massive thanks to all of the volunteers who helped to make the event such a huge success. It’s amazing to think that today’s event could save someone’s life.’
Stalybridge Celtic Juniors is a volunteer run junior football club for players of all abilities formed in 1975 and is an FA Charter Standard Development Club. The club has 28 teams from under 7s to under 16s, girls teams, pan-disability football, and a drop-in Saturday Soccer School.
Cancer Warriors is a Stalybridge based charity offering support to people who are living with, or have lived with, cancer. They run regular drop-in sessions and have an information and support centre on Melbourne Street in Stalybridge.
Leighton Hospital Prostate Support Group is a patient-led group holding bi-monthly meetings, awareness events, and regular PSA testing sessions in Cheshire. The group started in 2000 to offer support and advice to men (and their families) who have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It was founded by former Chairman the late Gary Steele MBE.
Words | Liam Whitehead
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