Don’t be a man: 70 walkers raise money for defibrillators and free PSA tests on Costa del Sol

Clive Marks launched the Don’t Be a Man campaign in 2022 following his prostate cancer diagnosis scare. He lives now in remission and encourages other men to seek early checks with a simple, painless blood test.

A recent walk organised under the campaign banner attracted 70 participants who covered 10 kilometres. The effort surpassed funding targets for free PSA tests and two defibrillators.

Defibrillators installed at popular local venues

One defibrillator now sits at Dempsey’s Irish Bar. A second unit will serve Garden Bar Rocas del Mar. Registration with the Junta de Andalucia lets emergency teams locate both devices quickly during cardiac arrest emergencies. Users find the machines straightforward, and the untrained can use them to save lives without waiting for ambulances to get through A7 traffic. A training session led by qualified instructor Tony Slamon will be announced soon on Clive’s Facebook page that will take place soon to add added confidence.

Free PSA testing available at Calahonda clinic

Men can book a free PSA cancer test at El Campanario Medical Centre in Calahonda by calling 952 93 33 77. Staff provide a special Don’t Be a Man voucher upon request. Results include guidance on next steps for readings outside normal ranges.

Clive Marks experienced no obvious symptoms at first. Frequent trips to the toilet during the night often signal a problem. One in eight men will face prostate cancer at some point. Early action lets life continue normally for most.

Age-related PSA level guidelines explained

Doctors assess PSA readings in nanograms per millilitre. Levels rise naturally with age as the prostate enlarges. Age-adjusted ranges now guide evaluations rather than one fixed number.

Men aged 40 to 49 should stay below 2.5 ng/mL. Those between 50 and 59 aim for under 3.5 ng/mL. Readings for ages 60 to 69 stay below 4.5 ng/mL. Men aged 70 and over face a 6.5 ng/mL limit.

Community backing and next steps for the campaign

Local businesses such as Dempseys Irish Bar, Biddy Mulligans La Cala and several others provided strong support through sponsorship and raffle prizes. Additional donations came from Supermercado Miraflores, The Jammy Olive Cafe and more.

Plans now are moving forward with a defibrillator for the Dona Lola complex. Somer Wood will also begin a walk and talk group to support mental health. Organisers expect another event next year.

Participants and donors made the day a fantastic success as Clive Marks thanked his family and everyone involved for their contributions. Because of residents like Clive, the Costa del Sol is getting clued in to easy-to-manage life-saving steps we can all take.