BOBBIES walked a new beat as they raised three times the expected total during a charity trek for a colleague who successfully battled prostate cancer.

West Mercia Police's Shift E Response team from Worcester Police Station surpassed all expectations when they completed their 'March for Men' over a distance of 15 miles last month, raising £1,419, three times the target they set themselves.

The walk was organised to raise awareness of prostate cancer following one of E shift being diagnosed with the disease.

A spokesperson for the shift said: “The officer has since undergone treatment and an operation followed by a period of recuperation and has now thankfully been given the all clear and is back at work on full front line duties working for the community.

“The shift feel that Prostate Cancer UK is a great charity to support and thoroughly enjoyed the walk from Worcester Police Station along the river Severn out to the Holt Fleet Pub.

“A huge thank you to the staff and management of the Holt Fleet who provided us with some sandwiches, chips and water for free in support of the charity. (We had collected £5 from each officer to pay for food but they allowed us to put that money towards the sponsorship).

“A long weary walk back, most of the shift’s personal dogs were still in the running and managed to make the whole 15 miles. We completed the walk in good time and were grateful for the weather being on our side.

“We have had many donations from family, friends, colleagues and the general public through Gift Aid and have managed to raise almost three times our £500 target.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us and helped raise awareness of prostate cancer. The walk will now be publicised on Facebook through the prostate cancer UK website to persuade others to organise their own walk.”

Sgt Pete Frankish said before the walk: “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."

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.

The page remains active should anyone else wish to donate:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/west-mercia-police-team-e-walk