NEARLY 600 men gathered at Whitchurch Rugby Club for one of the largest single community events in the history of the town’s Rotary Club to be tested for Prostate Cancer.

A total of 586 men, over the age of 45, had potentially life-saving prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to detect prostate cancer, which is the highest number since the project began seven years ago.

A team of 39 – including professional NHS phlebotomists, Rotary and Inner Wheel members, and supporters – ran the three-hour screening session.

Steve Chisholm, president of Whitchurch Rotary Club says the high turnout at the event shows that middle-aged men are taking their health more seriously.

And he thanked the many volunteers and NHS staff who gave up their time to help administer the tests.

“The men who turned up for testing probably made one of the most important decisions of their life,” said Steve.

“A total of more than 2,000 tests have now been administered and this year’s attendance set a new record.

"The teamwork involved, from the car park crew right through to the exit door, was an impressive show of organisation and I’m proud of every helper who gave their time.”

Blood samples were taken for analysis in a bid to catch early symptoms of prostate cancer, which national statistics show kills more than 12,000 men every year, around one death every 45 minutes.

Catching the disease early has saved dozens of lives, in the Whitchurch area alone, since the Rotary initiative was launched by organiser Dave Simcock.

The tests are done free of charge and the costs covered by the Rotary Club from fundraising projects and public donations - including £2,000 from Whitchurch Council.

Whitchurch town mayor Councillor Andy Hall was among the first to be tested.

Results are strictly confidential and will be forwarded direct to individuals.