AN ARDROSSAN man is upping his daily step count this month in a bid to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Paul Gilston, 37, aims to walk 11,000 steps a day to represent more than 11,000 dads, grandads, sons, brothers and mates who die from prostate cancer every year.

It’s part of Prostate Cancer UK’s virtual fundraising challenge, March the Month, to raise money for the leading men’s health charity.

Paul was inspired to take part in March the Month to raise awareness of how common this type of cancer is in men and is hoping to raise £500 after smashing his initial goal of £250 to help beat prostate cancer, which is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK.

He told the Herald: “I have decided to take on the challenge because I’ve known a good few men that have had a scare with this type of cancer and they didn’t even have a clue about it so it’s evident that men need to be more aware of this cancer.

“I have also had family members who have had different types of cancer over the years so it is a cause close to my heart.

“I was walking since the turn of the year to try to help my own health and feel better about myself so thought why not raise awareness and funds to help stop prostate cancer being a killer.

“It’s very important to fund these charities as there are people out there who are not going to their GP because of the pandemic and men may not be aware of the symptoms.

He added: “My initial target was £250 and I did not think I would get that because of everything that’s going on but I have had great support.”

Tracey Pritchard, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Paul Gilston has joined our team of remarkable walkers taking on March the Month, and raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“It’s particularly pertinent that the 11,000 steps taken every day represent those who die from prostate cancer each year. We want to make prostate cancer something that the next generation do not fear and to continue to be here for them and their loved ones especially since the pandemic has made living with a diagnosis harder.”

To donate visit https://marchthemonth.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/paul-gilstons-11000-steps-a-day-in-march-at-l