A chat with Alan Taylor

I was told there would be a sharp prick in my arm and – without feeling a thing – it was all over.

Phlebotomist, Sarah Croad, had done her job, and I was one of 279 men between the ages of 45-85 who had their blood taken and tested as part of the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group’s latest drive to test for the disease, held at Totland Bay Bowling Club on Saturday.

Each year in the UK, more than 47,000 men are diagnosed and nearly 12,000 die of prostate cancer, with many men not even knowing they have the symptoms.

Alan Taylor organizes the Island-wide testing and said: “It is vital men of these ages are tested regularly, but they are reluctant and, quite often, have to be nagged by their wives.

“Most men we test don’t have symptoms, but we find that 11 per cent who take our test will have an abnormal result and will require a follow-up.”

Last year, I attended just to write an article on the charity, and there were long queues, but, to my surprise, it was extremely well organised this time. Alan said: “We ask people to arrive at their allotted time and after a few quick checks they are taken to a phlebotomist.

“We have lots of assistants on hand and our team of phlebotomists are able to get things moving very quickly. It’s really very efficient – and painless.

“Totland Bay Bowling Club – and Pam Everson – went out of their way to help us, closing the club for a day in mid-season and letting us set-up on Friday night, as well as providing the volunteers with refreshments and sandwiches. We’re very grateful.

“Our next session is in Ryde in September, but it is already fully booked. However, we are at Seaview FC on October 14 and Newport Scout Hut on November 4 and places are still available through our website, iwpcsg.org.

“On September 2, we are also hosting a mini-music festival at Gatcombe Manor from 11am-11pm with 13 bands for just a £3 entry donation. There will be a barbeque and refreshments and all are welcome to help raise vital funds.”