MORE than 100 people were tested for signs of prostate cancer on Saturday as part of the Loganberry Trust's free event.

The charity was set up by beloved Swindon grandfather and Freemason Kevin Logan before he lost his battle with prostate cancer.

The Freemasons offered their full support to Kevin and let the charity hold its most recent event at the Swindon Masonic Hall in Old Town at no cost.

Kevin's friends and family were on hand to welcome visitors and offer them tea, coffee and biscuits before and after their test, which checks for a protein produced in prostate cells.

Viv Slayford, Kevin's partner of 25 years, said: "We opened the door at 10am just to put the signs out before it started at 10.30 but people were already coming in, there's been a very good turnout.

"If Kevin had gone to the doctor's sooner he might still be alive today. Men tend to be reluctant to go to the doctor but we hope this relaxed environment encourages them to get tested.

"We've had 480 people tested before this event: 26 got a 'red' result, 22 got 'amber' and the rest got 'green'.

"'Red' and 'amber' results indicate that there's a high level of the protein in their blood and those who receive those results are recommended to speak to a doctor.

"We hope to do three more of these events around Wiltshire after Christmas."

Charlie Logan, Kevin's youngest daughter, was touched by the support shown by local Swindonians.

"This is the first event I've been to and it's really special seeing so many friends and people from the neighbourhood who have come down.

"Dad always kept his positivity, what he was doing with this charity made me proud and he was overwhelmed that so many people came to the first events.

"I think he'd be incredibly surprised and proud of what's been achieved."

Her sister Josephine brought Kevin's young grandson Peyton along to the event.

She said: "He was so positive and had a great sense of humour, everything had a fun side.

"Rather than being private and scared, this Trust gave him the courage to talk about his cancer openly with other people, he tried to stop this topic being taboo."

Kevin's eldest daughter Georgina was in Seattle and couldn't make it to the event.

Loganberry Trust trustee Des Morgan explained how the Loganberry Trust was formed.

He said: "Kevin was one of those people who had not undergone a test until it was too late, his cancer had progressed into his bones and vital organs.

"We decided to set up a trust and run the tests that he was too late in getting in Swindon and across Wiltshire for free.

"Before this event, 480 people have been tested with the help of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

"We do the advertising and secure a venue, then they provide clinicians and phlebotomists to take the test, send it to a lab, process the results and advise the patients of the results, all confidentially.

"You only get the test on the NHS when you're over 50 and have had consultations but we offer it to anyone who is 40 or older.

"If people wish to help us by donating then that's wonderful but the tests are free and nobody will be turned away."

For more information, visit the Loganberry Trust facebook page or loganberrytrust.org.uk