'March for Men' is due to return to Liverpool

'MEN, we are with you.' This is the message from leading men's health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, as their 'March for Men' event returns to Liverpool for the 2nd time, in June 2019.

Prostate Cancer UK this week launched its new campaign to celebrate everything great about men and highlight the moments lost when a man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer. The 'Liverpool March for Men' will take place, at Croxteth Country Park, on 2 June 2019. It's a family friendly event where amblers of a range of fitness levels can walk in solidarity to celebrate and pay tribute to the special men in their lives.

Stepping up to the challenge, the charity will be urging walkers to back their campaign by completing a:- 2km, 5km or 10km route around the park; raising funds needed for vital research into the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, with the aim to save men's lives.

Since 2016, more than 10,000 people have walked with Prostate Cancer UK and raised over ₤3.3 million to support the charity's vital work; but with the disease killing more people than breast cancer that quest is more urgent than ever and is driving a busy summer of activity.

Merseyside resident Jerry O'Rourke was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, aged 71.

In 2014 Jerry beat prostate cancer, then the same year his wife sadly passed away, aged 74.

Karen O'Rourke, Jerry's, daughter said:- "Without Prostate Cancer UK and the work that they do, I would have lost both my parents within a year. Because of Prostate Cancer UK, I got to keep my dad and that's why I volunteer for the charity."

Explaining why Prostate Cancer UK was instrumental in saving her dad's life, Karen, added:- "The charity is responsible for most of the research into prostate cancer and without the research, they have done so far my dad would have faced a more serious prognosis than he did."

Karen, a 49 year old Museum Curator has been volunteering for Prostate Cancer UK since 2014. "It all started with a Zip Wire in Wales, while dad was still receiving treatment. I raised over ₤800 from that and I wanted to do more."

Karen plans to volunteer for Prostate Cancer UK at the March for Men events, in both Liverpool and Manchester, next month.

Over 325,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer in England, and that figure is more than 2,000 in Liverpool, emphasizing the need to raise awareness and funds.

Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane said:- "We stand with men and for men: when a diagnosis isn't good enough, to fund research breakthroughs to provide better treatments, to campaign for better care, and with direct help through our support services. The fight against prostate cancer, a disease that kills 1 man every 45 minutes, is a purpose worth uniting for, and we want to continue making strides to combat this disease. That's why our March for Men walking program is bigger and better than ever this year with 10 City marches in June 2019, up and down the country. We are constantly inspired by the incredible men, women, and children who come out to support us, each with their own story, personal motivation and challenges to conquer. We will be proud to walk side by side with them and together we can add to the real momentum building in the fight against this disease. The vital next step is to fund more ground-breaking research and work towards a screening program, to catch prostate cancer early and save lives. Whether interested in being part of the amazing atmosphere in one of the fun filled family friendly City walks, or organising your own March, there's a way for everyone to come together and achieve something really special. Choose from:- 2km, 5km or 10km and walk with family, friends or colleagues to help celebrate, commemorate and raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK."

Meanwhile, Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling will reprise his own:- 'March for Men,' walking four marathons in 4 countries in 4 days, from 5 September to 8 September 2019, kicking off in Glasgow, before visiting Belfast and then heading to Cardiff ahead of a sold out finale, in London, on Sunday, 8 September 2019.

To walk alongside Prostate Cancer UK, sign up for the Liverpool March for Men, hear more about Jeff's epic challenge or organise your own March visit:- MarchForMen.Org.

Join Prostate Cancer UK in saying:- "Men, we are with you" and sign up to the 'Liverpool March for Men.'

The 10 local walks, held over circa 2km, 5km and 10km, will take place throughout June 2019:-

► Bristol on Saturday, 1 June 2019, at Blaise Castle Estate, BS10 7QS.

► Liverpool on Sunday, 2 June 2019, at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, L11 1EH.

► Belfast, on Sunday, 9 June 2019, at Stormont Estate, BT4 3SH.

► Birmingham, on Sunday, 9 June 2019, at Cannon Hill Park, B13 8RD.

► London, on Saturday, 15 June 2019, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST.

► Glasgow, on Sunday, 16 June 2019, at Pollok Country Park, G43 1AT.

► Cardiff, on Sunday, 16 June 2019, at Pontcanna Fields, CF10 3E.

Protecting vulnerable people in Polish communities event

POLICE Officers from Merseyside on Monday, 20 May 2019, met with partners to discuss the protection of vulnerable people within Polish communities in the UK.

Representatives from a number of agencies including:- Liverpool City Council, the Polish Consulate, NHS and the Home Office attended the event to share expertise and raise awareness of issues within Polish communities, including domestic abuse and homelessness, and the barriers they face in the UK.

The event discussed the learning from 8 Domestic Homicide Reviews involving Polish individuals, to help prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

Detective Chief Inspector, Bev Hyland said:- "This event has brought together representatives from a wide range of Police forces and partner agencies leading to some positive discussions about how to best protect the most vulnerable in our Polish communities. We know that within Polish communities domestic abuse has a low reporting rate, which as we have seen in some cases can result in tragedy. I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to victims of domestic abuse and their family, friends or neighbours, and let them know that we are here to help and there is specialist support, both within the Police service and through partner agencies to help them. There is absolutely nothing to be feared by coming forward to the Police and by reporting domestic abuse. I can't stress enough that there can be serious consequences if domestic abuse is ignored or reported too late, as the research into Domestic Homicide Reviews shared in this event has highlighted. Our message to anyone who suspects domestic abuse is going on is to do the right thing and tell us so we can put a stop to it. There is plenty of help available not only from the emergency services, but a wide range of Polish charities and organisations too. Today we were joined by the Polish Consulate, the NHS Mersey Care Social Inclusion Team, the Whitechapel Centre and domestic abuse charity Vesta, all of whom gave talks on the fantastic work they are doing and the help available for Polish communities in the UK. Merseyside Police is focused on listening to those that are victims of domestic abuse and also to those that know victims who are experiencing domestic abuse. We want them to come forward in confidence so we can take positive action. No matter your race, religion or cultural background, we are here to help and will do our utmost to protect you."

Anyone with information on domestic abuse can contact:- 101 or call UK Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Useful information:-

► Vesta Specialist family support CIC. It is a non-profit organisation supporting Polish families within England and Wales, through delivery of specialist services relating to domestic violence, parenting and emotional wellbeing.

► Mersey Care Social Inclusion Team. Their role is to create knowledge of health and care services among vulnerable and excluded people, living in Liverpool to encourage access to those services. They use their experience, knowledge and skills and work closely with other professionals and agencies to open up access to care services.

► The Whitechapel Centre. The Whitechapel Centre is the leading homeless and housing charity for the Liverpool region. They work with people who are sleeping rough, living in hostels or struggling to manage their accommodation and are committed to helping people find and maintain a home and learn the life skills essential for independent living.

► Polish Embassy is located in Manchester and it deals with the consular protection of the Polish Nationals, as well as legal matters, including care proceedings.