(Image: UGC)
A South Craven vicar is taking on a month-long running and walking challenge in support of prostate cancer research.
The Rev Mike Green, who serves the parishes of Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley, will walk or run every day throughout October as part of the Prostate United 2026 campaign, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Someone very close to him is living with stage 4 cancer which began in the prostate.
Mr Green said: "Taking part in Prostate United has always been about supporting an important cause, but this year it feels very different.
"It feels particularly personal.
"I have seen at close hand the impact this disease can have.
"When cancer affects someone close to you, you see what a diagnosis means not just for one person, but for their whole family.
"Walking or running each day is a small thing in comparison, but it gives me something positive I can do and, hopefully, a way of helping other families in the future."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with one man dying from the disease every 45 minutes.
Prostate United is a nationwide campaign that encourages participants to walk, run, or cycle throughout October while raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Funds raised through the challenge support research into improved diagnosis and treatment options, with the aim of enabling earlier detection and more effective care for patients.
Mr Green said: "Football is a big part of Prostate United, and I love the idea that supporters who might normally be rivals can spend October on the same side, taking on something much more important.
"I’d be enormously grateful to anyone locally who would like to sponsor me.
"A few pounds might not seem very much on its own, but together those donations can make a real difference.
"Together, we can help make sure more dads, grandads, partners, brothers, sons and mates get to see another matchday.
"And if people see me out getting the miles in during October, do give me a wave."
His challenge begins on October 1 and will continue every day until the end of the month.
Donations can be made through his Prostate United fundraising page at https://prostateunited.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/mike-green2026.
Prostate Cancer UK funds research into better treatments and improved methods of diagnosis, with the goal of saving lives and supporting families affected by the disease.