We are delighted to learn that since 2018, Houghton Regis BC in Bedfordshire has raised almost £2,500 for Prostate Cancer UK as part of its ‘Men Against Prostate Cancer’ initiative.

Largely thanks to the dedication and commitment of 85-year-old Norman ‘Taff’ Owens, an internal charity bowls match first took place in 2018 with the support of club members and a casually dressed, relaxed end-of-season event raising £650.

The following year, a further fundraiser took place, this time with the invitation extended to members from Barton-le-Clay, Dunstable, Linslade and Luton-based bowls clubs, with a result that all six rinks were used in full.

Players were encouraged to wear whatever they felt comfortable wearing, with many bowlers donning football/rugby shirts, polo shirts and even Caribbean-inspired tops. Jovial banter was enjoyed by all, on and off the green, and following a large donation of items for a raffle and auction, a staggering £1,421.47 was raised on the day.

Despite the Covid pandemic restricting the opportunity to hold a similar event in 2019, Norman has continued to make people aware of this serious acute medical problem which one in every eight men will experience in their lifetime.

He has received many additional cash donations to the cause over the last 12 months, and together with the sale of donated items, has now raised a total of £2,478.58.

Houghton Regis BC will hold this year’s fundraising event on 26th September 2021. If you would like to discuss opportunities to support the event, please contact Norman.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with more than 47,500 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK every year – that’s 129 men every day. Prostate Cancer UK is proud to provide more than 150,000 people every month with up-to-date, evidence-led and award-winning information about prostate cancer.

They also fund research into better ways to diagnose prostate cancer, so men can be diagnosed earlier and more accurately – and into better treatments with fewer side effects, so that men stay alive and well for longer.

To find out more about Prostate Cancer UK and the services and support it provides, visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org