VOLUNTEERS at a cancer support group were delighted to have the support of the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke at a recent event.

The North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group had a stand at Basingstoke Festival of Transport on Sunday, May 19, and was treated to a visit by the borough’s mayor.

Mayor, Cllr Dan Putty, has chosen the group as one of his two charities of the year, along with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.

A group spokesperson said: “The mayor and mayoress spent a special time with the support group, along with the two previous mayors, as he particularly appreciates the work that the group undertakes locally.”

Councillors Diane Taylor and Paul Miller, previous Basingstoke mayors, also visited the stall.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Basingstoke mayors past and present visited the North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group standThe spokesperson continued: “The group has been set up, like a growing number around the country, to help men and their partners come to terms with a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

“With prostate cancer now being the most prevalent form of cancer in the UK, many men do not realise that even with no symptoms they may still be affected, thus the group’s other activity is to bring to a wider audience the risk of this disease, and the importance of early detection and treatment. It was in this latter role that the group were acting at the event, by talking to passers-by and handing out relevant information.”

The group meets informally once a month, where men can discuss their side effects and treatment with others. The group also runs a separate 'partners group' to provide support. 

The monthly meetings are held at the Brighton Hill Community Association on the last Thursday each month, from 2pm for a couple of hours. 

For more information and to find out how the group might be of help, contact nhpcsg.org.uk or call 07377 430242.