Money raised from last year’s Christmas lights display at Long Lane in Newport has helped identify 32 men from the local area who need further assessment for prostate cancer.
Each year, Terry and Sue Ramplin light up their house at the top of Long Lane for charity. In 2021, the IW Prostate Cancer Support Group was chosen alongside Daisy Chains IW to benefit from the funds raised, with each group receiving £2,250.
Now, it has been revealed that the money raised for the local cancer support group has enabled a screening session to be held in Newport, which has identified 32 individuals who need to undergo further assessment and an additional 56 men who are considered high risk.
At the recent PSA testing event, a total of 243 men were tested with 88 men flagged up; 14 requiring urgent help from a GP, 18 advised to seek advice from a GP and 56 advised to get a further test within 12 months.
The money placed in the collection pots at Long Lane has had a direct impact on Islanders’ lives.
Terry has confirmed to Island Echo that the Long Lane Christmas Lights will return this December, although it will be a smaller display given Terry’s age and the energy crisis. The festive tradition has been taking place for over 22 years and in the past 8 years alone the Ramplins’ display has raised in excess of £34,000 for a variety of local charities.
Prostate Cancer kills more men than any other cancer in the UK. A man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes in the UK, that’s over 11,500 every year. On the Isle of Wight, over 300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, which is one of the highest rates in the UK.
More information about the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group can be found here.
