Actor Colin McFarlane again set to be the face of prostate cancer fundraiser in Battersea Park
Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men returns to Battersea Park on Saturday, June 14, with actor Colin McFarlane again line up to join those taking part on the walk.
This will be a third year that Colin, himself diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, has supported the campaign. And for a second successive year he will walk alongside someone whose life he has changed by telling his story.
The 63-year-old, who starred in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight as well as being the voice of ITV hit show, The Cube, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022.
Colin’s journey has seen him inspire many people to check their risk, and for a second successive year he will stride side by side with someone whose life he saved, this time theatre director Femi Elufowoju Jr OBE, who was inspired to see his GP after watching Colin on BBC television two years ago.
By proudly wearing the charity’s iconic ‘Man of Men’, Colin and Femi will be a part of Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship walking event, all walking towards a better future for men and raising money to help fund research to find better tests that could save thousands of lives. One step and one donation at a time.
Last year over 1,800 people Marched for Men with families, friends old and new, and pet pooches, strolling side by side through Battersea Park sharing stories, celebrating loved ones – and raising more than £300,000 for the leading men’s health charity.
“I absolutely love Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men, and it’s wonderful to return for a third year,” said Colin. “From friends and loved ones to complete strangers, this event brings so many people together for a vitally important cause. Some are celebrating, others are remembering, but you are never alone.
“Prostate cancer affects one in eight men, and those stats increase to one in four if you are black, like me. So my passion for spreading awareness and saving lives remains as strong as ever. I want all men to be diagnosed early, like I was, and to better understand their risk of this disease, the most common cancer in men. March for Men is a brilliant way to do this.”
Femi, 62, who has appeared in plays alongside Colin, said: “I’d been back to Nigeria to see my Dad, who was told about 20 years ago that he had an enlarged prostate and that surgery wasn’t an option.
“When I got back to London, I slumped on my sofa and turned on the TV. For some reason I watched BBC Breakfast – and there was my old pal Colin on the box, saying ‘get a test’. That’s when it all came home to me.
“Colin said your GP might be reluctant to give you a test and that’s exactly what happened. It was only when I said my family has a history of prostate problems that I got sent for a test.”
Femi was diagnosed in December 2023 – “It was a total shock to me, my wife and my family,” he said. “I’m so grateful I switched on the TV that day and am indebted to Colin for saving my life.”
Colin added: “Meeting so many people who have been affected by prostate cancer over the past few years and speaking to some who continue to be influenced by me sharing my own story, old friends and new, is incredibly humbling. It also inspires me to do more.”
Walkers can again stroll 2.5km, 5km or 10km around the park. Since March for Men launched back in 2017, around 17,000 supporters have come together to raise £3m to help fund lifesaving research, and support men and their families navigating this disease.
All ages and abilities are welcome.
For more information or to sign up, please visit: prostatecanceruk.org/marchmen
Pictured top: Last year’s Battersea Park event (Picture: March for Men)
