Mansfield leisure centres to fund free prostate cancer checks for male employees and customers over 40

This health initiative is for people who work at or use Warsop Health Hub, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Rebecca Adlington Leisure Centre and Water Meadows Fitness & Swimming Complex.

The PSA tests will take place on the following dates:

• March 8th at Oak Tree Leisure Centre, 10am – 2pm.
• May 9th at Warsop Health Hub, 10am - 2pm.

MLCT and its operating partner Serco Leisure are working with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, via its My PSA Tests service, to provide all qualifying employees and customers with a free prostate cancer test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate a prostate condition, making this screening an important step in the fight against the disease.

Prostate Cancer UK reports that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer among UK men. Recent high-profile cases, such as Sir Chris Hoy and former Prime Minister David Cameron, have raised awareness of the condition.

Steve Nelson, the Director of Leisure at Serco Leisure said: “A former colleague of mine, Justin Butlin, lost his battle with prostate cancer in early 2024, and I clearly remember the words he often said to me: ‘Steve, make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else. Make sure you get yourself tested and encourage others to get themselves checked early’.

“Due to lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, a scheduled health check for Justin was cancelled. Had this examination occurred as planned, his cancer may have been detected at an earlier stage. Early detection is widely recognised as critical, particularly for prostate cancer, which has a high survival rate when identified promptly.

“Unfortunately, by the time Justin received his diagnosis, the disease had progressed to stage 4. Throughout his illness, he demonstrated resilience and maintained a positive outlook, dedicating significant effort to campaigning and fundraising for prostate cancer awareness. This initiative is dedicated in Justin’s memory.”

Cllr Andy Burgin, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: "One-in-eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk increasing with age.

Steve's tragic story about his friend Justin is a reminder to all men that they should get an initial blood test done to catch any warning signs as early as possible so they can be treated.

"I am very happy to see that Oak Tree Leisure Centre and Warsop Health Hub are offering these tests and I encourage all eligible men to take part."

Brian Taylor, chair of MLCT added: “For our employees, there will be posters displayed at each centre with details on how to sign up. Customers will be informed by email, and sent a unique code, which they can use to book a slot. I would encourage all male employees and customers over 40 to sign up – this is just a simple blood test, but it could save your life.”

MLCT are funding the first 100 tests for customers. Once that number has been reached, people can still book a test by paying a £26 fee.

Please search for all Mansfield events on this page: https://serco.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/

For more information about prostate cancer, please visit Prostate Cancer UK’s website: https://prostatecanceruk.org/

Warsop Health Hub, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Rebecca Adlington Leisure Centre and Water Meadows Fitness & Swimming Complex are operated by MLCT, in partnership with Serco Leisure and on behalf of Mansfield District Council.