A CHARITY set up by a Priory Vale grandfather before he lost his battle with prostate cancer is hosting a free blood testing day on Saturday to help others who may have the condition spot symptoms.

Kevin Logan was diagnosed in June 2015 and set up The Loganberry Trust shortly afterwards to raise awareness of prostate cancer and save lives by offering free tests for the disease all over Wiltshire.

The avid Swindon Rugby Club supporter and dedicated Freemason died almost a year ago in December 2016 but has left a lasting legacy which will stop a number of preventable deaths.

His partner Vivienne Slayford talked to the Adver about what life has been like since he died.

She said: “Even though we knew it was coming and were trying to prepare ourselves for it, we were in shock for a while when it actually happened.

“When the shock passed after a few months and I thought I was supposed to get on with my life, that’s when it really hit home.

“You feel guilty when you’re happy and having a good time, then little things make you think of him and hit you when you least expect it.

“It’s an emotional rollercoaster but the Freemasons and Swindon Rugby Club have been unbelievably supportive.”

The Loganberry Trust has provided around 400 screenings since it was set up and roughly 10 per cent of patients showed signs of prostate cancer and were subsequently referred to their doctor.

The blood test checks for a protein produced in prostate cells.

The free tests will be at The Planks in Old Town, behind the old Meccano building, on Saturday from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Viv added: “Kevin was determined that he would be open about it so that friends and family would feel comfortable talking about it.

“When he was diagnosed, we assumed that was one of the male cancers that’s easy to treat and we were extremely wrong and we set up the trust to highlight the lack of understanding around the cancer.

“The screenings give people somewhere to talk and get advice in a relaxed environment, they can just come along and have a cup of tea and a biscuit.

“The blood test isn’t 100 per cent accurate but at the moment it’s the only test for prostate cancer there is.

“We are only a small charity and rely on volunteers but we want to build a continuity where there are four or five regular screenings around Wiltshire each year and people will know there will be somewhere they can get tested.”

For more information about the charity and to make a donation, visit loganberrytrust.org.uk