21/04/2026
“It starts with a conversation in a pub.”
When we first heard about the initiative behind Durham and District Prostate Cancer Group, it was exactly that - a community-led idea driven by people who had experienced prostate cancer firsthand and wanted to make a difference. Their mission was simple but urgent: to raise awareness of what is often called the silent killer.
But as the organiser, Tom Sharples, shared with us, “the project was proving far more complicated than expected. The logistics, the medical requirements, the coordination, it was overwhelming.”
That’s where CST stepped in.
“In just three weeks, Les’s vision, which had seemed too difficult, too complex, became a reality.” CST were able to coordinate and deliver the screening events and help Les and Tom to turn “determination into action”.
“Sixty-four men came forward for testing.
Each man received their results within a week.
Sixty-four men who might otherwise have remained unaware.
Sixty-two tests were normal.
Two were abnormal.
Early detection that could make all the difference.”
This is why accessible, community-led screening matters.
We’re incredibly proud to support initiatives like this — and to work alongside people whose determination turns conversations into life-saving action.
If you’re looking to organise a screening event in your community, we’d be happy to help make it happen.
Read Tom Sharples’ full story on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eiWznUmj
Group photograph from the left - Peter Carr (D&DPCG), Colin Dye (BCAD), Ray Brown (D&DPCG), Bob Clough (D&DPCG), Les Cleckner (D&DPCG Lead), Tom Sharples (Chair BCAD), Geoff Kitson (Durham City Freemen), Cllr Gary Hutchinson (Mayor of Durham), Eric Bulmer (Chair Durham City Freemen Charitable Trust), Debra Adams (D&DPCG), John Turnbull (Parish Councillor), Pam Cleckner (D&DPCG)
(D&DPCG) - Durham and District Prostate Cancer Group
(BCAD) - Brandon Community Association Durham
