MEN are being encouraged to take part in screening sessions that could potentially save their lives.

The Masons have been organising the prostate screenings in Wirral and Chester.

This month, more than 210 men visited Wallasey Masonic hall to undergo a simple blood test, it takes only seconds. The session, open to any man, is free, although most who attended are keen to leave a donation for the prostate screening Team travel from Leighton Hospital in Crewe to carry out the tests. The donations raised almost £1,600 which will be put to good use by the screening team who are always in need of replacement items for the testing kits. It’s such a simple test and one that can save lives, that’s why Freemasons hold testing sessions across Cheshire throughout the year.

Chester and District Standard:

Cheshire Freemason Jeff Cunningham, who has responsibility for the Freemasons Lodges on the Wirral, Ellesmere Port and Neston, said: “It was wonderful to see so many men taking advantage of this life-saving service. This is another great example of Freemasonry supporting local communities and it was great to see so many non-masons as well as masons taking the test.

"As always we extend our thanks to the volunteers from the Leighton Hospital Prostate Screening Team who give their spare time to run these sessions. At last year’s session three men were identified by the test as being in need of immediate treatment and this just goes to show how invaluable it is. The donations go some way to show our thanks and gratitude

"To any man who hasn’t had the test, its well worth spending a few minutes of your time to get it done. "

The next session will take place at Cheshire View, the Masonic Hall in Christleton, on Saturday, March 30.