I never knew I had cancer – I had absolutely zero symptoms – but I am now in recovery from major surgery and hoping for a bright future.

I am an older man, and also a passionate angler. Oddly, the demographics of angling in the UK pretty much match the group most at risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the biggest killer of men over 50, with one in eight likely to get this nasty disease, but can go undetected without a simple blood test (as in my case).

ProstateCancerUK (https://prostatecanceruk.org/) is one amongst many wonderful institutions and people that have helped me on my journey. The charity works tirelessly for a future where lives are not limited by prostate cancer, and is a great resource for information and support.

I am organising a multi-species fishing match on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes on Saturday 10th June 2023 to put together my passion for angling, wish to support ProstateCancerUK, and to send out a message for people to check their prostate health: look on the ProstateCancerUK website or, better still, book a simple PSA blood test with your local surgery. This event is a fund-raiser for ProstateCancerUK but, above all, it is an awareness-raiser hoping you and those around you will check out your prostate health: Had I not done so, I’d be in a very bad place right now.

The term ‘match’ is overstating what is meant to be a fun event. Check in with me to book as spaces are limited, and confirm your place by making a donation to ProstateCancerUK via this JustGiving page... simple!

Even if you can’t make it along, this does not stop you making a donation to this great cause and also getting your prostate health checked out!

Thanks for your support.

Professor Mark Everard