‘So much more than a walk in the park’: record numbers join our biggest ever March for Men

A record-breaking cast of 3,000 people took part in our March for Men event on Father’s Day weekend – the biggest group that’s ever come together to walk towards a better future for men. 

Star names – including Hollywood actor Colin McFarlane, TV soap legend Dianne Parish, and actor and broadcaster Kym Marsh – joined thousands of people at London’s Battersea Park for this year’s march on Saturday 14 June. 

By proudly wearing our iconic ‘Man of Men’, each and every one of them stepped forward to be part of a very special day in our calendar – joining forces during Men’s Health Week to shine the spotlight on a cancer that affects men more than any other. 

March for Men is so much more than a walk in the park, with families, friends and pet pooches strolling side by side while sharing stories and celebrating loved ones. 

And one month on from this year’s event, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of everyone who took part, March for Men has already raised well over £500,000 to support our work. Thank you!

My mate saved my life – now we’re marching together for other men

Among those taking part at Battersea Park were two remarkable men who’ve both faced prostate cancer in recent years. 

Actor Colin McFarlane, who starred in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight as well as being the voice of ITV’s The Cube, was diagnosed with the disease back in 2022. And it was an interview he gave on BBC television two years ago that inspired theatre director and old acting pal Femi Olufowoju Jr OBE to speak to his GP about having a PSA blood test to check for early warning signs. 

It was a decision that may well have saved his life – because Femi was diagnosed himself just a few months later. 

Colin’s campaigning has motivated countless men to check their risk. And after marching with supporter Chris Davies in 2024, he strode side by side with his friend Femi this year – the second time he’s walked alongside a man whose life he’s saved by raising awareness. 

“I’m really lucky because I caught it early,” said Colin. “I thought, if I’m lucky and I know so much about this, I need to share this knowledge.  

“The satisfaction you get from someone like Femi coming to you and saying, ‘you’ve literally saved my life’ – that’s what drives me.” 

Femi is now having regular PSA blood tests and an MRI scan every six months to monitor his prostate cancer. He says it was that chance moment of seeing Colin’s BBC interview that changed the course of his life.  

“If I hadn’t seen Colin it would have got to the stage where I would have caught it too late,” said Femi. “Up to that point I had no intention whatsoever [of having a test].” 

Thousands of people, thousands of personal prostate cancer stories

With 3,000 people – each with a personal experience of prostate cancer – taking part in March for Men, there were countless stories just like Colin and Femi’s. 

Another of our fantastic fundraisers was Nick Morris, who raised a remarkable £10,650 towards our work. And also joining the march were relatives of the writer and activist Alex Wheatle MBE, who died of prostate cancer earlier this year. 

“We came together to honour and remember Alex this Father’s Day,” said his daughter, Serena. “And also to support others who are living with prostate cancer or have lost loved ones.” 

Actor and broadcaster Kym Marsh also lost her dad Dave to the disease and spoke passionately about her experience before leading her family round the picturesque Battersea Park route. 

“I was in awe of my dad – I still am,” she said. “He always taught me to be strong, to never take things lying down. That’s why we marched, to keep beating the drum and raising awareness about a subject so close to our hearts. 

“Early diagnosis is so important. We need to be having conversations with our dads, brothers, husbands and friends. We need to be talking about prostate cancer.” 

‘March for Men is so much more than a walk in the park’

Since our very first March for Men back in 2017, more than 20,000 supporters have come together to raise around £3.5 million in total – funding lifesaving research and helping men and their families navigate prostate cancer. 

It’s a disease that affects 1 in 8 men. And if you’re Black or your father or brother had it, your risk is even higher. 

That’s why it’s so important to keep raising awareness. Because if you find it early, it’s much easier to treat. 

Our Chief Executive Laura Kerby, who joined the walkers in Battersea Park, said: “It was a wonderful day and an absolute thrill to see so many people joining us and walking towards a better future for men. Thanks to each and every one of them for coming, and I hope they all had as much fun as I did! 

“Looking around on the day, what I saw was one big family. March for Men is more than just a walk in the park. It’s 3,000 people joining together to help fund lifesaving research and support men and their families to navigate this disease – one step at a time.” 

Feeling inspired? March for Men may be over for another year, but you can register your interest to take part in 2026. 

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