Huge numbers Marched for Men as Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship walking event drew a bumper crowd in London recently.
More than 1,600 walkers, a near record attendance for the popular event, strolled in the Sunday sunshine at Battersea Park with around £300,000 being raised to date.
Hollywood star Colin McFarlane cut the ribbon at the event which saw walkers stroll 2km, 5km or 10km around the picturesque park on the south bank of the River Thames, which offered a brilliant backdrop to the family-friendly amble.
McFarlane, 61, starred in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, as well as being the voice of ITV hit show, The Cube, but was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022.
As well as addressing the crowd, Hackney-born Colin joined the march, and raised more than £3,400 as well as much awareness in the build-up.
Some 38,000 men are living with prostate cancer in London, almost the capacity of nearby Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge home.
March for Men was one day, one moment, one community coming together to support men with prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in eight men in the UK – thousands of dads, grandads, partners, brothers, uncles, sons and mates. Those odds shorten to one in four if you are Black, like Colin.
“Wow! It was wonderful to take part in my first March for Men event this weekend – and it certainly won’t be my last,” he said.
“It was a truly magical day that raised awareness and funds and walking among more than 1600 other supporters on a sunny day in Battersea Park was something I will remember for a long, long time.
“My own diagnosis inspired me to work with this brilliant charity and like them I am passionate about raising awareness and saving lives. Meeting so many people who have been affected by prostate cancer and speaking to some who were influenced by me sharing my own story, was a very humbling experience.
“We are definitely not there yet, however. Men and their families still need to be aware of their risk and know that if you catch this cancer earlier, like I’ve done, then it can lead to a positive outcome.”
Since March for Men launched in 2017, more than 15,800 Prostate Cancer UK supporters have come together to raise around £2.5m in the fight against the most common cancer in men.
All ages and abilities were welcomed, including families, friendship groups, work colleagues and plenty of dogs, with musical entertainment on the route, a scavenger hunt for kids – and adults – and much more to do in the event village.
Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It was a truly special day in Battersea Park on Sunday as more than 1,600 brilliant supporters marched for men.
“Led by the irrepressible Colin McFarlane, we had walkers of all ages, so many families, friends, not to mention lots of four legged friends joining us in the sunshine.
“Many were marching to remember somebody, while others proudly strolled side with their loved ones to celebrate them. New friendships were forged too and there were so many heartwarming stories emerging on the day with those in attendance bonded by the most common cancer in men.
“That’s why we marched; creating a unique moment as we all came together as one community, walking in solidarity to save lives. We’re so grateful for everyone who joined us, and money raised by them will fund lifesaving research to diagnose men sooner and improve the lives of men affected by prostate cancer. We can’t thank everyone who played their part enough.”
People can still organise their own March for Men in their local park at a time and date to suit them. Visit prostatecanceruk.org/marchmen for more information.
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