FLINT and District Lions Club has restarted its Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign.

Before the pandemic, the club held annual clinics each of which were attended by approximately 300 men.

Over the years, it is believed that these blood test readings may have saved up to forty lives.

The nature of these clinics, led by phlebotomists, meant the last two proposed events had to be cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The campaign chairman, Peter McCracken advised that the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, the organisation that co-ordinates these events, has developed a new means of conducting tests.

“In future, those who wish to be tested can apply for a home testing kit. Our campaign will start on the 1st November, and subject to the number of applicants, will extend to 30th November. Unfortunately, the club has not been able to raise funds during the pandemic and is obliged to limit the monies it can expend on the scheme. We will accept responsibility for the cost of the first 250 men to apply for a test.

"This will cost us over £6,000. Obviously, to have the benefit of a sponsored test, it will be a matter of first come, first served.”

The club has advised that no application can be made before November 1. All applications must be made online to https://flint.mypsatests.org.uk/ To obtain the discount, the code is FLINT100.

The offer is open to men aged between 45 and 80 who must live in the postcode areas CH5, CH6, CH7 or CH8

A test kit will be forwarded to each applicant together with full instructions and details of the return address. A letter or email (depending on the individual’s preference) will be sent with the result of the analysis together with full relevant advice. Peter McCracken confirmed that each case is dealt with confidentially and that the club will receive no information about any test.

Club president Terry Withington has urged those interested to make an early application when the campaign opens.

He said: “We are concerned that many who regularly attended our clinics may not have been tested in the last two years and it is vital that they seek a test either via this home test scheme or via their GP if such a facility is available at their surgery.”