NOW CLOSED Talk to Prostate Action about male health issues and 'Pants in the Park' to win a £100 John Lewis voucher!

[KatieBMumsnet]

Prostate Action have asked Mumsnet to find out your overall level of awareness of male health issues (such as prostate disease) that could affect your DH/DP/DS. Are you/the men in your household aware of such issues? Would you/they even know what signs of prostate disease are?

Prostate Action is holding an event in Battersea Park, London, on the 22nd September called Pants in the Park. Please take a look at the website and let us know what you think: //www.pantsinthepark.org

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  
• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  
• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  
• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  
• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £100 John Lewis voucher!

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.

MNHQ

[cherryjellow]

Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?

Yes I think it would encourage me to join, the website was clear and to the point with enough info and pictures

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

I would definitely do it and probably the rest of the family :)

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

I have done race for life

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

A friend has it so its something I am aware of

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

It being closer to where I live, unfortunately its too far to go :( looks like a great event

[ShatnersBassoon]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Yes, although we're too far from London to seriously consider it. The website was appealing though, and was easy to understand. I also didn't like that there was a minimum amount of sponsorship stipulated, which seems a bit unfair in light of the entry fees. What would happen if you didn't manage to collect the minimum?

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Perhaps. We hate collecting sponsors though, so would be reluctant to fundraise in this way.

-Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
My husband has run marathons in aid of Everyman, but we've never been involved in an event specifically for such charities.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

Not relevant. We don't know anyone who has been affected.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

No minimum sponsorship requirements; surely the entrance fee covers costs so any amount of sponsorship should be welcome. Closer to home, I wouldn't travel to London for it.

[gingercat12]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

No, we live too far.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

We like walking together, but 4-y-o is quite slow, so 5km is a bit of stretch.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

No.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

Of course, I am worried about the men in my life.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Organise it the North East.

[Katz]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Yes it would be the event would need to be local to me to be able to attend.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Yes we would, although prostate cancer hasn't touched my family, i like the idea of something the whole family can do which is fun.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

We've done a mile noddy walk for the ARC

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

Not really but I believe that women's cancers tend to get a higher profile.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Lots of national locations, no or very low entry fee.

[bagelmonkey]

I think the website is good and it's a nice idea, but we wouldn't travel to London for it. I think it's only of any relevance to people living in London.
Even if we did live in London, I don't think we'd get involved. Our daughter will be 18 months & I think it's better for older children.
To be a real family day out I think there needs to be other activities as well as the 5k. Face painting, ice creams, bouncy castles, trampolines, sprinklers if it's hot enough, clowns, street entertainers, music etc. It would be nice if it was a big funday event if it's for the whole family. The website looks like its just a 5k with pants man. Pants man is a bit off-putting to be honest.
It's a great cause & good luck to all involved.

[nipitinthebud]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Erm, think the pants aspect would put me off. Maybe show some people in normal clothes that aren't wearing pants on the website. I'd be a bit embaressed to wear a big pair of pants over my clothes to attend an event. But the cause is a good one and the activities sound fun, so if I was in the area I would attend.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

I've done fun runs and Barnardo's toddle before whcih was good fun. so yes, I probably would. Think its good to get the kids involved in doing something for a good cause.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

5K Hyde Park Women's run for Macmillan and I organised a Toddle for my DS1 and his NCT friends.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

I don't know anyone with prostate cancer or problems. But I'm aware that its the type of thing men would not go to the Dr for so I think its relevant to anyone with a DH, DS, DF etc.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

If it were closer.

[AmberNectarine]

• would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Not sure about the pants outside clothes aspect, but it sounds like it could be a fun day out. We live locally so would definitely consider it.

• is a fun run something you would participate in as a whole family?
  

DCs are 2.6 and 11mo, so possibly not. DS won't go in a buggy and would likely get tired.

• how relevant is the cause to you?
  

my father is in his 60s and I have brothers in their 40s. It is something all men should be aware of and I regularly harass DH, and will turn it on DS when the time is right.

• is there anything that could make the event more attractive?
  

Lots of Entertainment/activities for DCs, performers.

[flamingtoaster]

-Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not? If I lived closer I would definitely go to it.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not? We'd probably all do this one as it is such a fun idea.
  

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones? Haven't done one before.
  

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

I think anyone with a DH or DP would feel this was relevant - I certainly do.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

More activities to make it worth travelling to - but smaller local events would be even better.

[PPT]

- Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?

The website is well designed, very bright- like the idea of wearing pants on the outside of clothes- well themed, everyone looking a bit 'unusual' together for a cause.

- Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?

Yes- definitely.
- Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?

Ran 5k for a cancer charity before- a very... very... very... long time ago!

- How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?

I have a husband, a father, a son, and a brother. Suppose it is extremely relevant! but must admit never really heard or thought about it much in the past.

- Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?

Be closer to home, i.e. more regional events, not just in London.

[artifarti]

-Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not? Not really. Again, like others I am not keen on the wacky pants theme so that would put me off. I can appreciate that it will appeal to kids though.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not? At this point in time my children are too young. I would rather run without them.
  
• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones? I have run the British 10k.
  
• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you? The cause is very relevant. My grandfather died because he was too embarrased to get prostate problems checked out, my father had his prostate removed and my FIL is currently under treatment for prostate cancer.
  
• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family? I would rather just do a straight 5/10k run on my own than drag children round with me!

[nipitinthebud]

Can I just add something....

...been sitting here thinking about it, and actually subconciously one of the main reasons that puts me off is that its for prostate cancer (don't jump on me, I'll explain). So its an event focusing on men's bits. I read on of the PP saying that their partner had done a run for Mens Action or something, and my first reaction was - hmm, I'd be more likely to go to that. And thought, maybe they should change their name - but that's kinda the whole point of having Prostate Action in the first place - so that its not brushing it under the carpet and going with genitalia are embaressing ethos, which is probably one of the reasons why men are so at risk from prostate cancer, isn't it?!

I've got a letter today reminding me to come for a smear test, and tbh I'd feel the exact same if it was an event for cervical cancer. Its strange that breast cancer is one where people are happy to support (and rightly so) but because of the body part it makes it less appealing/more embarressing.

But obviously that is just plain wrong. And the only way to change people's attitudes is to hold events like these and get people talking about it and make it more 'mainstream'. So after that thought process - I'd probably be more likely to go and explain the whole concept to my DS's so that at least their generation might not have such hang ups. But....stil too far from me though!

Maybe you should consider the Barnardo's Toddle approach? You have a date (week long or day) where you have a main event, but you can send out fundraising packs to people to organise their own events. Makes it more accessible to people who might have a small group but who can't do that particular date or venue? Or have alternative suggestions for fundraising activities on that date - wear your pants to work? or coffee mornings (send out cookie cutters in the shape of pants?). I may be going off on a tangent now!!!

[burleyburley]

• nice looking front page, my 2 year old is now chanting pants man! Found when I lost the event page it was difficult to get back to.
  

-I'm more likely to run with the whole family, good excuse to go slow. However, not yet. My son is only 2 and I'm preggers!

• I've never done a fun run! But I think my husband could persuade me.
  

• I don't know anyone affected (actually maybe a friend of my dad but no one close) however a lot is done for women's health awareness. So this seems a great idea.
  

• maybe more about it being a day out, beer/food tents, bands playing, bouncy castle that sort of thing.

[Pinot]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Yes it looks fun

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Not normally but for this cause - YES

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

Sons have done Sport Relief Mile etc

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

VERY - My Dad is recovering from prostate cancer at the moment :(

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

I would encourage them to make it a multi-generation idea, so bring along grandparents etc

[ICutMyFootOnOccamsRazor]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

I probably wouldn't go to London especially for it as there are lots of charity events that we go to nearer home.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Yes, although I'd likely be walking with DD in a sling/pushchair, as she's only a year old. DP would run with Ds (4) running/walking.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

Yes, for local charities and breast cancer.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

Relevant in the sense that I know it can affect any man, but don't know anyone personally who has suffered from prostate cancer.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and
  

your family?

I think the minimum amount to collect is quite high - people get a bit fed up of being asked for this sort of thing.

[whattodoo]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Yes, it would. It was fun and engaging. Would be attractive for all the family.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Yes, would bring DD

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

yes, race for Life, Midnight walk, local walks.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

relevant insofar as I have a male friends and family.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

My DP wouldn't put his pants over his trousers for all the tea in China. maybe make it clear he wouldn't be outnumbered if he just wore them on the inside as normal?

[MoaningMinnieWhingesAgain]

It looks like good fun and for a good cause. DS would love to join in, but I have trouble getting him to keep his pants on usually (he is three and likes to strip off!)

If I lived in the area I would certainly consider joining in, but I live ooop north.

I have no family experience of prostate disease but have nursed patients with it and my neighbour has recently deteriorated with his prostate cancer.

[BonzoDooDah]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

Yes - it's a really good website - excellent links to more information on the disease. Very informative, makes the day look fun. Shame is so far away (other end of the country)

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Yes for the right reason and cause and distance.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

No

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

Grandfather has prostate Cancer but is treated and "living with it" at 94.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Other events round the country (i.e. less than 200 miles away)

[oldgreyknickertest]

I think raising the profile is an excellent thing to do, my brother in law had prostate cancer, friends and cousins do.

What do u think if the website? Very effective for people who like it. I might sponsor someone but under no circs would you get Dh there. Far too embarrassing. Tone a bit evangelical iyswim.

Not enough for teens to do if they don't want to run.

Agree point about child sponsorship.

[Belo]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

We are more serious runners in our family, so the idea of a fun run would be a bit frustrating (without trying to sound stuck up). It would need to have more than just the 'fun run' element to attract me for a 'fun day out'.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

DD1 has taken part in a fun run at a local running club when I've done the adult timed race

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

I've done a half marathon for charity and my husband has done a full one. But, not a 'fun run'.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

I suppose it is relevant. There are men in my live (husband, brother, father etc) whome i love very much. Reading the website wants me to check with them that they're aware of the symptoms.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Maybe get a band to play? Make it more about the fun then than the run.

[moonbells]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

It has made me laugh! Standard joke in household is that all superheroes wear their pants on the outside, so I can imagine DS asking nonstop if everyone is a superhero.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

er, no. We are totally non-sporty. I wish they'd do fundraisers for geeks to enjoy - honestly, superheroes? Geeky. Why add the fun run element?

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

No. Have been to several social fundraisers for another cancer charity (Charity Balls etc) which are more up our street.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

Very. Elderly father statistically has it (80% of 80 year olds do) as does FIL. I work in the field.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Er, no! More social fundraisers in the future?

[ScorpionQueen]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not? It's good to see men's health being bought more into the public eye, Race for Life is great but all very pink. The website is clear and easy to navigate so a good promotion tool for the event.
  

Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not? Yes, it would be nice for us to do one together, we don't like to leave DH out of Race for Life.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones? Big Toddle, Race for Life.
  

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you? Very, FIL had it.
  

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family? Distance is the major factor, but if it takes off, I imagine it could be rolled out nationwide in the future.

[disparatefishwife]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

It looks like a really fun day but as with so many great events we don't live anywhere near London and with 2 little ones it'd be a lot of hassle and a bit far to go.

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

I think we'd give it a go for the fun of it, I have mobility problems so wouldn't be able to run far and the baby is not on his feet yet so it'd be more of a fun buggy trot with the toddler alternating between walking and wanting 'a carry'.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

I've never done anything like this before.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

My Grandfather had prostate cancer. I think that it's important to keep up the awareness.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Having the event in other parts of the country - maybe a bit of a roadshow?

[Hopezibah]

Website looks fun and the 'pants man' concept certainly appeals to kids (reminds me of a few years ago on the apprentice with philips (was that his name? pants man cereal idea!). I agree with Hattie11's comment re one family amount of sponsorship rather than per individual. At the moment, would find it hard to travel to London with newborn baby in tow but i imagine it would appeal to those local to the event. The main "prostate action" website doesn't look very interesting and i think more could be done to highlight the awareness raising element of prostate cancer (self-checking etc) as it looks too medical and not easy to read.

I like the way they describe pants in the park as more than just a sponsored walk and how it is a whole fun day to be involved in.

hope this helps!

[toobreathless]

The website is good, bright, attractive & easy to navigate. It would encourage me to attend the event if we lived reasonably close by (within 40 mins ish)

I have only taken part in sponsored events as a child before. We might do something like this but realistically when DD is older (14 months) & can participate more fully.

I think prostate action is relevant to every man really, regardless of their age.

As another poster has said more family activities would encourage us to attend, particularly if we lived a bit further away & so would want to 'make a day of it.'
Bouncy castle
Face painting
Craft tent - decorate your own pants etc
Mini games etc

[nextphase]

• Would this website encourage you to attend the event? If so why, if not why not?
  

The site seems to have all the information required, but there is no way I would ever attend an event like this (even if it was closer)

• Is a fun run/walk something you would participate in as a whole family or not?
  

Not with sponsorship. I fundamentally disagree with sponsored events. I give money to the charities of my choice, and object to being asked for money for some other charity.

• Have you ever taken part in this sort of event before? If so, which ones?
  

Nope, see above.

• How relevant, or not, is the Prostate Action cause to you?
  

I'm aware of prostate cancer - my grandfather was diagnosed with it, but it was just left alone, as they (correctly) summarised that something else would get him before the cancer. DH is aware of some of the symptoms.

• Is there anything that could make this event more attractive to you and your family?
  

Not everyone lives in London. Fees up front and min sponsorship levels seem tough - and what happens if you don't make the min level?