A HEALTH-conscious event took place encouraging men to get important checks for cancer and other conditions.

CHAPS men’s health charity hosted Harwich Men’s Health Day on Thursday, April 20, in Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club, sponsored by Harwich and District Fellowship for the Sick.

On the day, men were able to get free prostate cancer and NHS health checks.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Helpful - Molly-Louise Parkin, Suzanne Pearson & Rachel Murphy, Provide CommunityHelpful - Molly-Louise Parkin, Suzanne Pearson & Rachel Murphy, Provide Community (Image: Maria Fowler)

Sheena Parsons, trustee at Harwich and District Fellowship for the Sick, said: “It was pleasing to see a good turnout as we had all appointments accounted for.

“The Fellowship sponsored it financially, it provides a very good service for the men and it’s the fifth one we’ve done.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Discussion - Men spoke about health awareness on the dayDiscussion - Men spoke about health awareness on the day (Image: Maria Fowler)

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second most common cancer killer of men in the UK.

NHS Health checks are for men age 40-74 who are Essex residents and not already on treatment for a heart condition, blood pressure or high cholesterol, kidney disease or diabetes.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Speaker - Prof Chris Booth spoke about the importance of getting checkedSpeaker - Prof Chris Booth spoke about the importance of getting checked (Image: Maria Fowler)

Sheena added: “I’m not a medical person but I think these checks are of paramount importance.

“Even if you only pick up one person in these sessions it’s still vital, and with the uptake of appointments it suggests there’s a realisation of that.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Notable - Harwich Mayor Ivan Henderson got checkedNotable - Harwich Mayor Ivan Henderson got checked (Image: Maria Fowler)

Next up for the Fellowship is its annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 17.