McFarlane set to March for Men as Prostate Cancer UK walking event strolls into Battersea Park

• Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship walking event, March for Men, heads to Battersea Park on July 23

• Actor Colin McFarlane will spearhead the walk after revealing his own prostate cancer diagnosis

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affecting one in eight men. Those odds shorten to one in four if you are black

• 38,000 men are living with prostate cancer in London

• Sign up at prostatecanceruk.org/marchmen

“I am so happy that the funds raised will help the charity develop a muchneeded screening programme for men, which will no doubt prove to be a gamechanger. Due to the genetic links, this is a disease that can affect so many people and not just those diagnosed. That’s why I am so keen to use my voice to spread the word and I can’t wait to join March for Men in July to honour those who have passed away and help to raise more awareness, more funds and save more lives. See you there.”

Since March for Men launched back in 2017, more than 14,200 Prostate Cancer UK supporters have come together to raise an incredible £2.2m in the fight against the most common cancer in men.

All ages and abilities are welcome, including families, friendship groups, work colleagues and even four legged friends, with plenty to do at these action-packed events, including music, food, merchandise and health information.

The versatile 61-year-old, who starred in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight as well as being the voice of ITV hit show, The Cube, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022.

As well as sharing his story for the first time, Clapton-born Colin will join hundreds of people at Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men - and issued a rallying cry for men and their families to join him at the Battersea Park event.

You can sign up to March for Men here

38,000 men are living with prostate cancer in London, almost the capacity of nearby Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge home.

Those joining Colin in the March for Men can walk 2km, 5km or 10km around the picturesque park, which is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, and offers a brilliant backdrop to the family-friendly amble.

It’s one day, one moment, one community coming together to support men with prostate cancer, a disease that affects 1 in 8 men in the UK. That’s thousands of dads, grandads, partners, brothers, uncles, sons and mates. Those odds shorten to 1 in 4 if you are Black, like Colin.

He said: “At first when anyone hears the word ‘cancer’ alarm bells go off. But I’m one of the lucky ones. A friend of mine was diagnosed around 17 years ago, and he told me to have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test every year after 50. I did that for eight years before I was diagnosed. As a result, I have caught it very early and have no symptoms. It’s men who take no action and don’t know anything about their prostate health that are at the greatest risk.

“That’s why I’m supporting the great work of Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness and help men better navigate this disease. The stats about this disease are worrying so it’s important that men and their loved ones understand more about it.

People can sign up and take on the march here and if they can’t make it, they can organise their own March for Men in their local park at a time and date to suit them.

Nicola Tallett, Director of Fundraising & Supporter Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We can’t wait to March for Men once more this summer at our brilliant new venue at Battersea Park.

“Since 2017 thousands of people have joined our family-friendly walking events or even staged their own across the UK.

“We’ve had walkers of all ages, famous faces, four legged friends joining us, and new friendships have also been forged. Many march to remember somebody, others proudly stride alongside their loved ones to celebrate them.

“We’re so grateful for everyone who has joined us to date, but there is still work to do. That’s why we are back in London for a fifth time. Join us and be part of a unique moment as we all come together as one community, walking in solidarity to beat prostate cancer.”

Sign up for Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men atprostatecanceruk.org/marchmen

Notes To Editor

For more information, please contact Gary Haines, Sports PR Manager at Prostate Cancer UK, on 020 3310 7079 or at gary.haines@prostatecanceruk.org, alternatively email pressoffice@prostatecanceruk.org or call 07984 325001.

About March for Men

o March for Men is a charity walking event that unites people across the UK to celebrate the lives of those affected by prostate cancer and to remember those who have been lost to the disease o Since 2017, more than 14,200 people have walked with us and raised over £2.2 million to support our vital work. o By taking part in March for Men and raising money, you’ll help fund lifesaving research into better treatments and tests to beat prostate cancer. o There are three walking options at the event with 2km, 5km or 10km routes o Sign up for March for Men at prostatecanceruk org/march men o If supporters can’t make this event, they are encouraged to organise their own March for Men at a time and place that suits them Find out more here

About Prostate Cancer UK

o Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition – to save and enrich the lives of men with prostate cancer o Investing in finding better treatments and tests that could save thousands of lives o Working with the NHS to make sure men get access to breakthrough tests and treatments. o Spreading the word about who is at risk of prostate cancer, especially to those at higher risk. o Supporting people dealing with prostate cancer and providing health information. o Visit prostatecanceruk.org now to help beat this disease.

About Prostate Cancer

o Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men o More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average –that's 143 men every day o Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer –that's more than 12,000 men every year o 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime o Around 475,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer o A 30-second online risk checker is available at prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker o Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50 and the risk increases with age But the risk is higher for Black men (1 in 4) or men with a family history of prostate cancer, so they should speak to their GP from age 45. o Prostate cancer often has no symptoms so men shouldn’t wait to see changes before they act o Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer may contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or online via the Live Chat instant messaging service: www prostatecanceruk org The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on Wednesdays