by Q Radio News
Crowds will gather at Stormont Estate in Belfast later today, to take part in a walk to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer.
Prostate Cancer UK is kicking off it's 'March for Men' series; a campaign which celebrates men while also highlighting the moments lost when a man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK.
The charity is urging walkers of all abilities to complete a 2km, 5km or 10km route around the park.
It will help raise funds for vital research into the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, with the aim to save men's lives.
Since 2016, more than 10,000 people have walked with Prostate Cancer UK and raised over £3.3million to support the charity’s work – but with the disease killing more people than breast cancer that quest is more urgent than ever and is driving a busy summer of activity.
Over 9,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer in Northern Ireland, emphasising the need to raise awareness and funds.
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane: “We stand with men and for men: when diagnosis isn’t good enough, to fund research breakthroughs to provide better treatments, to campaign for better care, and with direct help through our support services.
"The fight against prostate cancer, a disease that kills one man every 45 minutes, is a purpose worth uniting for, and we want to continue making strides to combat this disease.
"That’s why our March for Men walking programme is bigger and better than ever this year with 10 city marches in June, Jeff Stelling’s epic four-day adventure in September and supporters continuing to organise their own walks up and down the country.
“We are constantly inspired by the incredible men, women and children who come out to support us, each with their own story, personal motivation and challenges to conquer.
"We will be proud to walk side by side with them and together we can add to the real momentum building in the fight against this disease.
"The vital next step is to fund more ground-breaking research and work towards a screening programme, to catch prostate cancer early and save lives.”
Meanwhile, Jacki Dickson is a volunteer with Prostate Cancer UK and her husband was diagnosed with the illness in 2016.
She told Q Radio men should not be afraid to talk about their concerns.
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