Petersfield went Marching on Together for a much-missed Leeds United fan on Sunday as fundraisers turned the town blue on another record-breaking morning.
The fourth annual March for Men with Kev was another life-affirming event with around 400 people taking to the streets in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, PCaSo and The Rosemary Foundation.
The event is held in memory of Kevan Birkett, a family man and decorator who devoted his final months to raising awareness of prostate cancer and its symptoms.
“We’re definitely going to push 400 entrants today so I’m confident it’s going to be the biggest yet,” said Kevan’s wife, Claire Birkett, before hailing the incredible support from local businesses and the great British public.
“We’re just all so humbled and along with my family and everyone else involved in M4MWK.”
Participants who signed up for a 10k, 5k or 2.5km march from The Square took part a warm-up before town mayor, Cllr Jamie Matthews, cut the ribbon.
A Fiat 500 parked in front of the starting line was a minor obstacle, but there were plenty of smiles as walkers made their way down the High Street and Rams Walk.
Jo Watts and Rona McTavish of Sew Creative and ClobR dressed up as minions for marshalling duties.
“We do it every year and enjoy the hype of being part,” said Jo, before Rona added: “Everyone last year was dressed up as Smurfs so we thought we needed to dress up this time around.
“Plus if you’re dressed up cars are more likely to throw money at you.”
The march also took place a day after PCaSO held a PSA test event at Festival Hall. The odds of getting prostate cancer can be as high as 1 in 4 if there’s a family history, so regular testing and early detection is key.
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