Llandudno hosts potentially life-saving prostate cancer screening NORTH WALES PIONEER 21/10/26

Llandudno hosts potentially life-saving prostate cancer screening | North Wales Pioneer 21/10/26 NEARLY 100 men received free prostate cancer screening in Llandudno as part of a community-led health initiative funded through the Pride in Place programme and delivered by the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust. The event, held at Ty Hapus Community Centre on October 21, was for men aged 40 to 80 living in the Mostyn and Tudno wards, and provided free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood testing to help identify potential prostate health concerns at an early stage, often before symptoms develop. The screening initiative formed part of the Pride in Place programme, backed by the UK Government, which is investing £20 million in projects chosen by local residents to uplift their communities. The event highlighted how community-led investment can support preventative healthcare and improve access to vital services, while raising awareness of one of the most common cancers affecting men in the UK. The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust was set up by Graham and Sue Fulford to promote awareness of Prostate Cancer following the diagnosis of a close friend who died at the age of 58 and a close family member who died in 2007 from prostate cancer after a valiant fight. Neil Ackers, chairman of the North Wales Cancer Support Group, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of early detection. “This event enabled almost 100 men to have their PSA levels checked, providing reassurance where results were within the expected range and identifying individuals who may benefit from further investigation through their GP," Mr Ackers said. "Most importantly, it created an opportunity to identify potential problems before symptoms developed, allowing men to seek appropriate medical advice at an earlier stage. “Almost 90 per cent of the men attending our support group who have shared their experiences had no symptoms when they were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Many had previously attended one of our PSA testing events. "This demonstrates why raising awareness and providing accessible testing opportunities within our communities is so important. Early identification and appropriate follow-up can make a real difference and can potentially save lives.” “I am delighted to see Pride in Place funding making such a tangible difference to men's health and wellbeing in the local community.” Mr Ackers also encouraged anyone with concerns about their PSA results, or those seeking further information and emotional support, to contact the North Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group. One local man attending the screening session said: “I’ve taken 10 minutes out of my day for this; it’s a no brainer and fantastic that it’s free.” Another commented: “Having recently seen a friend go through this, I booked straight away. You think it won’t happen to you, but men should have regular screening like women do for things like cancer.” Chairman of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Tudno and Mostyn, Jim Jones, said: “This screening event demonstrated exactly what Pride in Place is designed to achieve, putting funding behind projects that matter to local people and deliver meaningful benefits for our communities. “By working with trusted organisations such as the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, we have been able to support an initiative that not only raises awareness of prostate cancer but also gives local men access to potentially life-saving screening. "We are proud to have helped bring this important service to the residents of Tudno and Mostyn and to support efforts that improve health and wellbeing across our neighbourhoods.” Deputy chair of the Neighbourhood Board, and manager of Ty Hapus, Jayne Black, said: “I am delighted that we are supporting free PSA testing for men in our community and that over 90 men have been screened. "Pride in Place is about more than improving our neighbourhoods; it is about improving people’s lives, health and wellbeing. "By supporting initiatives like this, we want to make it easier for local residents to access health information and take positive steps towards looking after themselves. “Prostate cancer can affect men and their families in every community, and raising awareness is incredibly important. "Providing access to free PSA testing offers an opportunity for men to learn more about their prostate health and discuss any concerns with healthcare professionals. “We want Pride in Place to be led by the needs of our residents, and health and wellbeing are an important part of building a stronger, healthier community. "We hope this event encourages men to come forward, ask questions and take an active interest in their health. “We would like to thank everyone involved in organising this event, the Board members who came and helped on the day, and everyone else helping us bring valuable health initiatives directly into the heart of Tudno and Mostyn." Bangor Aberconwy MP, Claire Hughes, commented: “It’s fantastic to see Pride in Place funding supporting an initiative that could make a real difference to people’s lives. "Early detection can be crucial in the fight against prostate cancer, and giving people in Llandudno access to free testing is a great example of how community-led projects can improve health and wellbeing. "I’m delighted that this funding is helping to bring vital services directly to our communities.” https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/26659844.llandudno-hosts-potentially-life-saving-prostate-cancer-screening/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVHQoBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4LwH8W40YH_K6kfKYKLaxuhMnsEP78m_dK-dFjJWLXdI3c2yvylpjsR1o2DA_aem_JPircAk8S_4kRrg7rhXXyg