A TEAM of Worcester bobbies will be walking a new beat as part of a ‘March for Men’ to fight prostate cancer after a colleague successfully overcame the disease.

The 12 West Mercia Police officers are to complete the walk this Sunday to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

The 15 mile walk will take them from Worcester Police Station to Holt Fleet and back again. The team hopes to raise between £300 and £500 and perhaps a little more with some help from Worcester News readers.

A JustGiving page has been set up ahead of the walk which will start at 9am after officers, from the shift E response team, decided they wanted to ‘give back to those working on better treatments for this disease.’

Sgt Pete Frankish said: “We have a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous who is an integral member of the shift and was diagnosed with prostate cancer approximately 18 months to two years ago.

“He has undergone relevant testing, diagnosis and had surgery and has now thankfully been given the all clear and is cancer free, much to our relief.

“He is now back at work on full duties working for the community.

“He has gone through the process of examination and surgery with nothing but a positive outlook and has kept a smile on his face and has been very open in sharing his experience and the importance of colleagues getting checked at the doctors.

“A quick test can highlight a serious problem and if caught early enough there is treatment that can be given to save a life.”

Sgt Frankish said he has already booked his own appointment. The walk has the backing of Supt Damian Pettit, commander of the South Worcestershire policing area, who said the walk was a ‘brilliant’ idea.

The team also thanked staff at the Holt Fleet pub, where the walkers plan to stop for lunch, who have agreed that money for their food can be put in the collection instead.

The aim of March for Men is to raise both funds and awareness, ensuring more men survive the disease. Cash raised can be used to fund specialist nurses who provide essential medical, practical and emotional support and pay for biopsy analysis to help clinicians decide on the best treatment. Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can visit justgiving.com/West-Mercia-Police-Team-E-Walk