BRIDGWATER’S Malcolm Larkham never thought he would be one to model in the buff, but a cause close to his heart has persuaded him to shed his clothes and pose for a charity calendar.

Malcolm, 66, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 years ago, and the disease has taken a horrible toll on his family.

“I have lost both my brothers to prostate cancer, my eldest brother died when he was 68 and my other brother died when he was 69,” Malcolm said.

“I was tested after my eldest brother was diagnosed and my form of cancer has been quite slow growing, but it can be quite aggressive.”

It was this experience that prompted Malcolm, a retired welder who worked in the industry in Bridgwater for the best part of 50 years, to want to raise awareness for the cause.

“It was actually a lady called Linda Tarbet, whose husband was diagnosed with the disease, who came up with the idea of a Prostate Cancer UK Support Group calendar,” Malcolm said.

“It was a bit nerve-racking - both taking the photo and then seeing it printed in all the calendars, but if it can help raise awareness then it will be worth it.

“My eldest brother was a typical bloke who hated going to the doctors, but I would urge any man who finds they are getting up to pee in the night more than usual, or has had someone in their family diagnosed with prostate cancer to visit their GP and get themselves checked.

“It is a simple blood test, nothing too drastic, but it could save your life.”

Malcolm said he had found the Prostate Cancer UK Support groups really helpful, as there was someone there to talk to who could empathise and give advice during a difficult time.

In the UK, approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

Studies show that men aged over 50, men with a family history of prostate cancer and black men are more at risk.

The average age for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 65 and 69 years.

If people want to support the cause and purchase the calendar you can visit livingwithpc.com or you can email Malcolm via sparkylarkham@gmail.com.