A 77-YEAR-old St John’s man raised more than £700 for a Woking-based prostate cancer testing charity by completing a 100-mile bike ride.

Paul Orrin covered the course, which began on the Embankment in central London and went out via Chelmsford in Essex before returning to finish at Tower Bridge, in support of Cancer Testing South.

There was a great personal satisfaction for Paul, who had been a prostate cancer patient but is now happily recovered, as his family were on the finishing line to welcome him. 

“A great finish to a great day,” he said.

Prostate cancer now kills as many men as does breast cancer in women – a man dies from the disease every 45 minutes.

Cancer Testing South is dedicated to putting on events to test for prostate cancer – a simple blood test – in male-dominated establishments such as golf, rugby and football clubs.

John Goodridge, a trustee of the charity, said: “This work is so very important, mainly because in the early stages there are no symptoms. 

“Paul agreed it is in the early stages that the vast number of sufferers can be treated successfully.” 

The charity strongly advises men over 40 to have a simple blood test every 18 months to check on the potentially deadly disease.

Cancer Testing South organises regular PSA testing events at venues across Sussex and Surrey.

The charity is holding a testing session at Chobham Rugby Club, Fowlers Wells, off Windsor Road in Chobham, tomorrow (Saturday June 17) from 11am to 3pm. 

It also has regular clinics at the Trident Honda showrooms in Ottershaw on the first Saturday of each month.

Men who want to be tested must register in advance via www.cancertestingsouth.org and pay a £20 fee. Donations will also be collected at the events, with cash and cards accepted.

For details of testing dates and venues and to book, visit the website or email [email protected]