This month This is Haslemere volunteers have been chatting to the wonderful Roger Macdivitt, one of the trustees of Cancer Testing South. Roger is certainly someone who likes to keep busy - he has had an eclectic career ranging from being a company director to a hypnotherapist. These days he somehow manages to juggle all his volunteering commitments with being a full time gardener.

Roger's involvement in cancer charities began approximately 9 years ago after he lost his wife to womb cancer. Sadly, she had not experienced any symptoms so, by the time they realised she had cancer, it was too late to treat it. Roger was devestated but was equally determined to find something positive out of the darkness. He initially gave up his time to fundraise for a gynaecological charity in Guildford but was then told about Cancer Testing South. 

This is a charity that was founded by Roy Sowersby and John Goodridge following their own experience with prostate cancer. Roger was keen to help and became a trustee in 2019.

These days, the charity runs regular monthly clinics to test for possible prostate cancer. Blood samples are taken in complete confidence and then sent to a registered laboratory for analysis. Results are then sent to individuals within ten days. 

You'll find clinics in Haslemere on the second Sunday of every month at the Hunter Centre, as well as on the first Saturday of every month in Ottershaw. However, they also have ad hoc clinics running throughout the year ranging from big events at Ascot Racecourse to smaller ones in local golf clubs. They're also hoping to soon start regular monthly events in Aldershot and Cranleigh. Their work spans a number of regions - whilst they are certainly most active in Surrey, their clinics cross borders into Hampshire, Berkshire and West Sussex too.

All men 40 years and above are encouraged to attend. For perspective, the NHS will only provide prostate cancer screening once you're fifty. And as Chris Hoy has recently highlighted, it's well worth getting checked before then. A quick blood test is all it takes to check your prostate so please do take a look at when their next event is taking place and get yourself booked on. 

The charity have certainly seen a spike in the number of people getting tested. The recent cases of King Charles and Sir Chris Hoy have certainly raised awareness.

However, Roger knows that many men continue not to get tested. Just to provide some reassurance for those men thinking about getting tested for the first time but who may be nervous about doing so. When your results come back, you will be given a green or red light. But a red light doesn't necessarily mean it's bad news.... Roger explained that a raised PSA could signify something harmless. But, definitely get checked out before it's too late. As Roger was keen to point out to any men reading this, 'It's not just you, it's your family' that this is so important for.

The team charge £25 for a test. But, recognising that not everyone may be able to afford to pay this, they also run testing days in poorer areas which cost just £5 to attend. If payment is an issue, please let them know.

However, Cancer Testing South also desparately need your help to continue their incredible work. Everyone involved with this charity is a volunteer. There are no paid roles at all.

To put it in perspective, this is taking up most of Roger's evenings and weekends - he could definitely do with being able to delegate some of the work to others to lessen his workload. Although, that said, if he did manage to find others to help, we don't think he'll be sitting back any time soon with his feet up! We're pretty sure he will fill his time with finding new testing locations!

So what help do they need? Well, they're always looking for new phlebotomists. Cancer Testing South are running approximately 40 events each year and expect to complete between 8000 and 9000 tests in 2025. That requires a lot of support. Those with a background in nursing or healthcare is preferred but training can be given to those without so please do fill in the online application form if you think you could help. You'll be given 2 days of training, using imitation arms to hone your skills before being let loose on a real one! After that initial training, you also need to be able to commit to attending six events within a certain time period to ensure that the training and skills you have been taught are kept up.

However, if drawing blood is not your thing, there are some other areas where they urgently need an extra pair of hands to help. These include:

• IT assistance on a Saturday or Sunday morning at the testing clinics to ensure all the computer and printer equipment is set up and functioning properly

• Admin assistance on a Saturday or Sunday morning to welcome those attending the clinics and to book people in on arrival

• Assistance with emails - this is a role that can be done from the comfort of your own home and involves responding to enquiries and forwarding messages to others

If you can help with any of the above, please contact the team directly on ctsouth@protonmail.com.

The charity are also looking for storage facilities locally. They currently use Big Yellow Storage in Guildford but would love something in Haslemere. A garage sized space would be ideal but the crucial thing is that the team can access the facility 24-7. Access is often required early morning before events...

Roger really is an incredible man who has devoted so much of the last decade to helping others. For him, the hard work has been worth it. He told us a story of a recent event in Woking where a lady approached him to let him know that her husband was just about to start radiotherapy treatment having been visited a Cancer Testing South clinic. She thanked him for saving her husband's life.... you don't need many moments like that to know what an incredible difference you are making.

If you can spare some time to help Roger and his team, please do get in touch with them. They would love to hear from you. Or you can also make a donation to support the work they do.