On Sunday 13 March, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity were joined by 200 supporters and their friends and family at March for Men 2022. The fantastic event, which was opened with live music from the brilliant Samba Panache, saw participants complete a sponsored run or walk along the Promenade by Bournemouth Pier Approach. So far, over £8,000 has been raised for men’s health services at University Hospitals Dorset.

Each year our hospitals treat thousands of men in our community for a whole range of health conditions including prostate, bladder, or testicular cancer. March for Men is an important opportunity to raise awareness for the issues affecting men’s health, and at this year’s event participants were encouraged to share their #MarchforMenMotivation by writing their reason for taking part on their race bib. Whether it was in memory of a loved one or to say thank you for the treatment they received, this personal touch allowed participants to share their stories with one another and united our community of supporters through shared experiences.

Tommy Johnston, Co-lead of the Urology Department at University Hospitals Dorset, said: “We are very grateful for the charitable donations we have received through March for Men over the years. Their support has enabled us to introduce a range of new procedures and techniques which have improved the diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy of common conditions affecting men’s health. March for Men has recently helped us purchase the mini-PCL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) surgical kit which allows us to treat larger kidney stones using a smaller incision, and therefore reduces the risks associated with this complex procedure. Thanks to everyone who took part or donated, with this year’s funds we are planning to purchase a new laser (Leonardo Mini Dual) which allows us to treat recurring bladder cancer in an outpatient setting under local anaesthetic, avoiding the need for an overnight stay.”

Participant Darryl Tocock tweeted: “Glad to show my support for UHD charity this morning at #MarchforMen2022. Nice to see the Mayor of Bournemouth showing his support for this fantastic cause as well. As always, the event was superbly organised, great job by all involved”.

March for Men was kindly sponsored by Oak Services who helped the day run smoothly with transport support.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can support the charity and our other events, stay up to date by following @UHDCharity on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, visiting UHDcharity.org or contacting the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity office on 0300 019 4060/8449.