THE MP for East Hampshire has been seeing red as he joined a lionhearted group for a blood testing event in Petersfield.
Damian Hinds was one of 181 men who took part in the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Blood Test event at the Winton House Centre on March 2.
The event, which also attracted the Mayor of Petersfield, Councillor Hilary Ayer, was held to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the simple test which can indicate its presence.
It was aimed at men aged from 45 to 70 and was organised by the Petersfield Lions and the Hampshire branch of the Prostate Cancer Support Organisation (PCaSO).
Both groups recommend that every man in the affected age range knows their PSA as a higher reading could be an indication of the disease.
The test is not a procedure to diagnose prostate cancer, but a raised level can give an indication of a possible problem, such as enlargement or infection.
The event - thought to be the first of its kind held in Petersfield - definitely caught the public’s attention, with 168 appointments being booked.
By the end of the event the three volunteer phlebotomists in attendance had taken blood samples from 181 men, averaging at 13 every 15 minutes.
Consenting men were also shown a short information video about the signs and treatment of prostate cancer before getting the free test.
The event was funded by the Lions with the help of Jamie Matthews, who donated £980 from his East Hampshire District Council pot, and a £500 grant from Petersfield Town Council.
And while the tests were free, the good folk of Petersfield donated £1,374 towards the costs, which work out at £10 per test.
The Lions have also donated around £800 to support the work of PCaSo in Hampshire while there was another boost for charity, as the sale of refreshments and cakes raised £30 for Headway.
The event took place a fortnight after the Petersfield Lions held their annual general meeting in the Townhouse.
Trustees presented reports on the club’s activities and fundraising efforts over the last year before the group’s president, Sandra Manktelow, presented £500 cheques to HomeStart Butser, the Petersfield Area Churches Together (PACT) group, and the food bank in Swan Street.