In an act of bravery and generosity, Mark Dee, Commercial Director at Barratt Homes Bristol, has taken a literal leap of faith to support Prostate Cancer UK.
Mark recently completed a skydive, not just to raise money, but to also shine a spotlight on a disease that remains the most common cause of cancer deaths among men in the UK.
Having witnessed several friends being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Mark became acutely aware of how many men are too embarrassed to seek medical advice or get checked. This, coupled with the fact that his wife gifted him a skydiving trip for his birthday, inspired him to turn the jump into a fundraising mission.
“Raising awareness was just as important as raising money,” Mark explained. “The number of people who knew someone affected by this disease was astounding. It’s clear that too many men are reluctant to get checked out, which can be life-threatening.”
Mark’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. His conversations with staff, suppliers, and contractors in the construction industry about prostate cancer and its risks struck a chord with many. One groundworks company owner, in particular, was so moved by Mark’s message that he decided to promote and support prostate cancer testing within his own workforce, offering to pay for his male employees to get checked and covering their time off for the tests.
12,000 men die from prostate cancer each year in the UK, with 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually. While many of these cases are treated early and effectively, the reality remains that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
“The earlier you get help, the better your chances,” Mark, 54, advised. “It’s not always life-threatening, but ignoring the symptoms can be. We’re talking about a simple blood test and maybe a quick internal examination. Yes, it might be embarrassing for a few seconds, but those few seconds could potentially save your life.”
Through his skydive, Mark raised an impressive £6,900 for Prostate Cancer UK. The funds will aid the charity in delivering early testing options and continuing their research into new diagnostic tools, genetic risk factors, and methods to reduce barriers to screening. Prostate Cancer UK is dedicated to ensuring that every man understands the symptoms of prostate cancer and knows what to do if they encounter them.
