Batman actor backing Prostate Cancer UK March for Men

Acclaimed actor Colin McFarlane will spearhead Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship walking event, March for Men, in London on July 23. 

The versatile 61-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. 

As well as sharing his story for the first time, Clapton-born Colin will join hundreds of people at Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men – and issued a rallying cry for men and their families to join him at the Battersea Park event. 

Some 38,000 men are living with prostate cancer in London, almost the capacity of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge home. 

Those joining Colin in the March for Men can walk 2km, 5km or 10km around the picturesque park, which is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, and offers a brilliant backdrop to the family-friendly amble. 

It’s one day, one moment, one community coming together to support men with prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in eight men in the UK. That’s thousands of dads, grandads, partners, brothers, uncles, sons and mates. Those odds shorten to one in four if you are Black, like Colin. 

“At first when anyone hears the word ‘cancer’ alarm bells go off. But I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said.

“A friend of mine was diagnosed around 17 years ago, and he told me to have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test every year after 50. I did that for eight years before I was diagnosed. As a result, I have caught it very early and have no symptoms. It’s men who take no action and don’t know anything about their prostate health that are at the greatest risk. 

“That’s why I’m supporting the great work of Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness and help men better navigate this disease. The stats about this disease are worrying so it’s important that men and their loved ones understand more about it. 

“I am so happy the funds raised will help the charity develop a much-needed screening programme for men, which will no doubt prove to be a game changer.

“Due to the genetic links, this is a disease that can affect so many people and not just those diagnosed.That’s why I am so keen to use my voice to spread the word and I can’t wait to join March for Men in July to honour those who have passed away and help to raise more awareness, more funds and save more lives. See you there.” 

Since March for Men launched in 2017, more than 14,200 Prostate Cancer UK supporters have come together to raise an incredible £2.2million in the fight against the most common cancer in men. 

All ages and abilities are welcome, including families, friendship groups, work colleagues and even four legged friends, with plenty to do at these action-packed events, including music, food, merchandise and health information. 

​People can sign up and take on the march and if they can’t make it, they can organise their own March for Men in their local park at a time and date to suit them. 

Nicola Tallett, director of fundraising and supporter engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We can’t wait to March for Men once more this summer at our brilliant new venue at Battersea Park. 

“Since 2017 thousands of people have joined our family-friendly walking events or even staged their own across the UK. 

“We’ve had walkers of all ages, famous faces, four legged friends joining us, and new friendships have also been forged. Many march to remember somebody, others proudly stride alongside their loved ones to celebrate them. 

“We’re so grateful for everyone who has joined us to date, but there is still work to do. That’s why we are back in London for a fifth time. Join us and be part of a unique moment as we all come together as one community, walking in solidarity to beat prostate cancer.”  

Sign up for Prostate Cancer UK’s March for Men at: prostatecanceruk.org/marchmen