Craig braves winter winds to raise hundreds for prostate cancer charity

JANUARY’S freezing winds and rain proved little match for Craig Heaney, who spent the month traipsing the streets of Omagh to help raise awareness of prostate cancer, and fund life-saving research, in honour of his granda.

The Omagh man was moved to take part in Prostate Cancer UK’s ‘Run the Month’ challenge as his grandfather on his father’s side is a prostate cancer survivor, having recognised the signs and symptoms early, leading to successful treatment.

And while the UK-wide challenge only tasked participants to run, jog or walk a total of 26.2 miles in the month – Craig ended up completing 69.05 miles to ensure that extra donations flooded in.

“A friend of mine, Gerry Ross, said that he’d double his donation if I doubled my miles,” the 31-year-old explained. “It was an offer I couldn’t refuse!

“Statistics show that prostate cancer now affects as many as one in eight men,” he added. “That is thousands of dads, partners, brothers, uncles and mates.

“Prostate Cancer UK is a charity close to my family’s heart and mine, as unfortunately, my granda on my father’s side had prostate cancer. However, he had himself checked early after recognising the signs of potential prostate issues.

“He underwent treatment last year, and now, thankfully, he leads a relatively normal life.

“Overall, I found the challenge very cathartic, as I enjoyed putting in my headphones and going for walks while listening to audio books, and raising money and awareness for the excellent cause,” Craig added.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me in any way.”

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include: Needing to pee more frequently, often during the night; needing to rush to the toilet; difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy); straining or taking a long time while peeing; weak flow; feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully; blood in urine; or blood in semen.

Signs that the cancer may have spread include bone and back pain, a loss of appetite, pain in the testicles, and unintentional weight loss.

l To-date, Craig has raised £334 – and counting – for Prostate Cancer UK. If you would like to donate to his cause, titled ‘For Granda’, please visit: www.runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/for-granda2022?