A legacy is growing as a charity walk in memory of an East Hampshire man who devoted his final months to raising awareness of prostate cancer is just over a month away.

Well-wishers have been encouraged to turn the town blue as the fourth annual March for Men with Kev returns to Petersfield on Sunday, September 13.

The event has grown exponentially since the first in 2023 with around 350 people ‘Marching on Together’ last year in memory of Leeds United fan Kevan Birkett.

But with registration now open and fundraising gathering pace, this year could be the biggest yet as the March continues to grow in “strength and community spirit”.

The event aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer and support for organisations like Prostate Cancer UK, PCaSO and the Rosemary Foundation that help people affected by the disease.

It also honours the life and legacy of Kevan, a much-loved husband, father, painter and decorator who was just 57 when he lost his life to prostate cancer in May 2023.

“Even though he had been devastated by the diagnosis, Kev remained passionate about encouraging other men to seek help early, to get tested and to talk openly about the disease,” said the MFMWK team.

The Petersfield movement began when a group of Kevan’s friends and family who marched alongside him in London decided to launch a local version.

Hundreds of walkers have taken part in the years since with more than £35,000 being raised for the linked good causes, all the while encouraging more and more men to understand the prostate cancer risk and to seek testing.

Participants can choose from 2.5, 5 or 10k walks with all three beginning at 10.45am. Registration is from 10am and is just £5.

You can also register at www.marchformenwithkev.co.uk