‘A great success, and a really enjoyable day’. This was how a prostate cancer testing event was described by Mike Collins, trustee of the Prostate Project, following this first of what is planned to be a series of collaborative efforts between the Guildford based charity, and local businesses.
The event, which took place on February 24th was a joint initiative between Surrey based company Sanaway, and their clients Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL)
SSTL staff and family members, as well as contractors were invited to take a PSA blood test at their offices at Surrey Research Park, with 46 men taking up the offer. The test helps to check for prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, a disease which kills more than 12,000 men each year in the UK.
Sanaway supply washroom services, including the revolutionary ONE hygiene solution, the first disposal unit in the UK that is suitable for use in male, female, unisex or accessible washroom facilities.
Co-founder and director of Sanaway Patrick Martin helped to organise the day. He says
‘We’re delighted Surrey Satellite Technology is our first customer to conduct employee PSA testing thanks to our partnership with the Prostate Project, and it’s fantastic to see our vision being realised through our ONE initiative. Caught early, prostate cancer is usually curable. By getting ONE and The Prostate Project in front of our customers, we are helping raise awareness of their mobile PSA testing facility, potentially helping more men get treatment for prostate cancer earlier and ultimately save more lives.’
One man tested at the event was Michael Usher, a business owner from Frimley in Surrey, and he was pleased to attend, particularly as a family member had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
‘I am at an age where it’s important to keep an eye on things like this, the test was quick and easy and I am grateful to SSTL for inviting me to attend. My message to other men is quite simple, just get tested, the sooner any problems can be highlighted the better the chances are for treatment’.
Mike Collins concludes by saying ‘Thanks to everyone at SSTL for their hospitality, and for organising the day with ourselves and Sanaway. Early prostate cancer is often symptomless and the only way to detect it is via a PSA blood test.’
For details of upcoming community testing events at Leatherhead Football Club, Guildford Hockey Club, and Old Dean Centre in Camberley, please visit prostate-project.org.uk
(Image shows Patrick Martin, Mike Collins and some of the team at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Photo credit: Katherine Hammersley)
