This year I will be entering several Ultra-marathons to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. If you didn't know, a staggering 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and we still don’t know what causes it, but are making advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Six years ago, in 2018, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer during a regular health check. I had no symptoms from my perspective and it was quite a shock. Thankfully, it was diagnosed very early and since then I have been on an active surveillance programme of regular blood tests with infrequent MRI / biopsy tests. They are not treating the cancer at this stage as the side effects are not pleasant. So, after much reading, I am following the general consensus of keeping fit and eating ‘well’ and so far I am keeping it under control and my Prostate Cancer ’score’ (PSA) has actually decreased a little.

So, to raise funds for further research I will be attempting four Ultramarathons this year:

COMPLETED! - XNRG: Amersham 50km in March, this was a mud fest - I came 3rd in my age category and 54th out of 114 runners, happy with that result given the conditions.

COMPLETED! - Threshold Sport: Race to the Stones 100km in July, my 9th time along the Ridge Way - I set my fastest time of 15hrs 32 mins. I was 8th in my age category and 431st out of 1,254 runners, really pleased.

COMPLETED - Montane: Dragons Back Hatchling: I managed all of day one and then the Hatchling for the other three days, a total of - 203km (10,200m of elevation) from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle over 6 days, known as the world's toughest mountain race - it was brutal.

POSTPONED (2025) - Escape the Meriden in November - Run as far as you can in 36 hours (distance measured as the crow flies and you are handcuffed to your running buddy for fun).

FINAL UPDATE: Sadly due to a chest infection I have postponed the last race until next year. The good news is that I got the chest infection whilst on an amazing trip in Nepal - hiking over 175km and ascending/descending over 10,000m. Highlights were: Cho La Pass (5,330m); Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patther (5,550m). All completed with a great bunch of chaps - Francois, James, Adam, Tim, Rufus, Jeroen and Mike.

So I have raced/hiked over 500km - that is 12 marathons with hills and mountains! My request of you is threefold:

1. Gentlemen, if you're approaching or in your 50’s - GET TESTED REGULARLY, early detection can make all the difference and there are now simple blood tests.

2. Awareness is key, please think of eight friends and sent them this email - one of them might be forever grateful.

3. Please sponsor me, so we can collectively make progress in treating prostate cancer.

Thanks in advance, keep smiling, Kevan