A group of Glamorgan based men, have come together to champion men’s health in Wales, by launching a new Prostate Cymru affiliated community group – Glamorgan Friends.
The formation of Glamorgan Friends, is particularly poignant, as it coincides with Prostate Cymru’s 20th year milestone and is a welcome addition to a growing number of other friendship groups situated throughout the country, including Carmarthen, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Cardiff and Vale.
Explaining the friendship group concept, Prostate Cymru CEO, Tina Tew, said, “Our friendship groups are very much at the heart of what we do. We are national charity and by having local people coming together to champion us, from both an awareness and fundraising perspective, we can reach pockets of people who otherwise we may struggle to engage. A person from within your community talking to you about the risks of prostate cancer or arranging a fundraising event can often be more effective, is feels more personal. “
“We are delighted to be able to add Glamorgan Friends to the friendship group family, they have already gotten off to a flying start, with their Maesteg Golf Day, raising over £30,000. I know there is also a lot of enthusiasm around linking into our annual Big Walk fundraiser, which celebrates 10 years this year. In fact, our first Big Walk route a decade ago was 26 miles and finished at Kenfig Hill. To pay homage to this association, Glamorgan Friends are arranging a Big Walk which will take place on 8th July starting at Neath Cricket Club and finishing at Kenfig Hill Rugby Club. All money raised at the event will be used to fund future awareness initiatives and improve research and treatment for men in Wales suffering with prostate health.”
You can sign up for the walk here.
Local business man, founder of Dunraven Group, David Brace OBE, is a trustee of Glamorgan Friends and supported by a number of committed individuals, including a longstanding Prostate Cymru Ambassador Ray Giles.
Speaking about his involvement Glamorgan Friends member Ray Giles said, “For a long time now, we have been looking to bring together a Glamorgan Friendship group, this part of Wales has always been a supporter of Prostate Cymru, so it is pleasing that we are officially up and running. As a group we meet regularly to discuss our upcoming fundraising plans and ideas, not only is it rewarding to be able to give back, but there is a strong social element. It is a fantastic group of individuals, some that have been affected by prostate cancer themselves and others that simply appreciate the important cause we are supporting. We are always looking for new members, so I urge to people to get in touch if they would like to get involved.
My association with the charity goes back over a decade and I have seen the difference it has made and continues to make to the men of Wales. I know many people that have benefited from improved treatment facilities that were only made possible because of Prostate Cymru. This is why fundraising events such as the Big Walk we are arranging on 8th July are so important.
Of course, as well as fundraising, prostate cancer awareness is also very much a Glamorgan Friends priority. Informal chats in a rugby club house or more formal workplace awareness sessions, we understand the role we can play in getting men talking about their health. Early diagnosis saves lives, you can’t underestimate how a casual conversation flagging prostate cancer symptoms, could result in a lifesaving outcome.”
Every 45 minutes a man in the UK dies of prostate cancer and all Welsh men are at a 1 in 8 risk of developing the disease, with chances increasing to 1 in 3 if there is a family history.
To find our more or sign up to the Glamorgan Friends Big Walk click here.