Dad's cancer plea to men to get checked as hundreds take part in charity walk

Gary Bingham (56) from the Ortons, was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, just a couple of years after his brother received the same diagnosis - but Gary is now making a good recovery, and his brother, Colin has been given the all clear.

On Sunday, Gary took part in the first March for Men in Peterborough at Ferry Meadows alongside wife Sarah, son William (12) and foster child Jordan.

Gary said: “Five or six years ago, Colin was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I went and had a test, but was given the all clear.

“Then in 2015 I went to my doctors to have a well man test - they called me back over one of the results, and I was diagnosed with cancer.

“In 2016 I was taken to Peterborough City Hospital, where I had an intensive radiotherapy treatment - 20 sessions in 20 days.
“The staff there were fantastic - absolutely brilliant.

“In the past few weeks my brother has been given the all clear, and while it is too early to give me the all clear, the doctors said it is going very well.

“When I was told I had cancer, it was a numb feeling - it did scare and worry me, but we caught it quickly.

“It is when people leave it that it can spread and cause real problems.”

The March for Men was organised by Camille Rhodes, whose husband had been diagnosed with the condition.

Gary said: “When I heard Camille was doing this, I had to get involved.

“It was emotional taking part, especially reading some of the banners people made around the course - it was clear some were taking part to remember people who had died.

“The event was great though. It was fantastic to see so many people taking part, and it was very well organised. All the volunteers were great, and the companies who donated things for the raffle were great too.

“I would urge men to get checked out. If you need to go to the loo lots in the night, but then can’t go, it could be a sign. The earlier it can be found, the better.”

Camille said: “We had 268 people take part, which was fantastic. We were blown away by the support we have had.

“We had people bringing their whole family along. You have things like the Race For Life, which is only for women - but I thought cancer affects the whole family - I wanted it to be a real family based event.

“All week I was looking at the weather, as it was going to rain on Friday and Saturday, but I was sure the weather would be OK for us on the Sunday - and it was.”

Camille, who has carried out a number of events over the year to raise money for the charity, said she is still counting the money from the weekend, but expects to have raised more than £10,000.

She added: “I want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped, and the companies who donated prizes.”

She is currently organising her next fundraising plans, and is appealing for men who have suffered, or are suffering from, prostate cancer, to come forward for a charity calendar this winter. For more details email Uniting4theguys@virginmedia.com