Prostate cancer: Ex-boxer Richie Woodhall urges Shropshire men to get tested

Ironbridge Lions Club will be holding a screening day in Telford next month, where men can drop in and get themselves checked free of charge without an appointment.

Richie, whose father Len died in 2015 after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer, said it was very important that men took the test, and said he would be going along himself to the event from 6pm at Jubilee House in High Street, Madeley, on March 13.

"It is really important that people about my age go down and get themselves tested," said Richie, who is 48.

"I didn't really know much about prostate cancer until my dad was diagnosed. I had heard of it but that was about it.

"The important thing is to catch it early, as it can be treated.

"If it is in your family it is also important to get it checked out. Until my dad got it I never really thought about it, you just think it is something that happens to other people, but when my dad got it I realised it was something that can affect anyone."

The testing involves a simple blood test designed to identify the level of the prostate specific antigen. It is administered by a medical team under the supervision of retired consultant urological surgeon David Baxter-Smith.

The blood samples will then be sent away for analysis and the results sent out by letter with advice about any follow-up action.

The testing is open to all men over the age of 50, or over 40 for those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Testing is free, although donations are invited.