Fairfield first-time fundraiser joins cancer charity walking challenge to highlight men's health concerns

Father of two Chris Wardle, 41, is attempting to walk 11,000 steps a day as part of Prostate Cancer UK’s March the Month campaign.

He said: “I’ve been trying to live a bit healthier since the start of the year – walking more and eating better to lose a bit of lockdown weight.

“The charity was asking people to take on this challenge and I just thought I could do some good at the same time. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

He added: “Thankfully no one I know has been affected by prostate cancer but it made me realise I was approaching the age with the highest risk and my dad, who’s 60, is already there.

"The more I looked into it, the more important it felt. Some of the figures were eye-opening.”

The 11,000 steps symbolise the number of dads, partners, grandads, sons, brothers, uncles and friends who die from prostate cancer every year.

About one in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their life, and it is third most common cause of all cancer deaths.

Chris said: “I was unaware of a lot of these facts, and thought if I can raise awareness and a bit of cash, it might just help save someone’s life somewhere down the line.

“Men’s health can still be a bit of a taboo subject. We’re starting to look after ourselves a bit more but it’s not something that gets talked about much in my circles.”

While there is a serious message behind it, and a long way to go, Chris has been enjoying the first few days, fitting in steps at work as a production manager at Bradburys Cheese and whenever else he can

He said: “In four days I’ve already managed 78,000 steps I finished work yesterday and decided to do a five-mile walk, which took me to about 22,000 for the day.

“We can’t travel far at the moment but some of the routes are challenging and it makes you appreciate what a beautiful place Buxton is.”

To sponsor Chris, go to https://bit.ly/3bjo0dc.