MORE than 150 men queued up for a vital and potentially life-saving test, for prostate cancer.

Queues for the Loganberry Trust day in Highworth snaked out of the venue and some men had to be turned away because there was not enough time to test everyone.

A team of specialists worked non-stop to give blood tests and results to 167 people in two-and-a-half hours.

The charity was set up by Swindon grandfather and Freemason Kevin Logan before he lost his battle with prostate cancer in December 2016.

Kevin’s partner of 25 years Viv Slayford said: “It’s a horrendous disease.

"You’re watching someone you love being eaten away and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

"Kevin didn’t lose his hair or much weight so you wouldn’t have noticed much of a difference unless you really knew him and you could see the pain he was going through.

“His doctor did not allow him to decide if he would have this test and we later learned that he had symptoms of prostate cancer but at that point it was too late to cure it.

"This test allows men to take responsibility for their own health and come along, with no pressure, to see if their PSA level is raised. Even if you don’t think you need a test, think of your loved ones.

“We usually get around 200 people at a screening but that’s with the help of the Freemasons and this one was entirely word-of-mouth so we didn’t know how many people would turn up.

"We were so surprised and pleased. It’s becoming more high profile. People are more aware of Kevin’s story.”

Since Viv’s husband died, the Loganberry Trust has given more than 1,500 men around the county free tests to check the health of their prostate in the hope that any problems can be caught and treated early.

Two people tested at the charity’s Chippenham screening last year went to their doctors after receiving positive results and their cancer was treated before it became terminal.

And one from Westbury thanked the charity on its Facebook page, writing: “I went to the PSA testing for what I thought was a cup of tea, a few biscuits and to meet my fellow brethren.

"That happened. What I did not expect was that the test was positive. Following the tests, MRI and biopsy I had my prostate removed.

"It is so important this is eradicated so other men do not and will not go through what I and my family went through.”

The blood test checks for a protein produced in prostate cells. Green results indicate everything’s fine but red and amber results indicate that there is a high level of the protein in their blood and those who receive these results are recommended to speak to a doctor.

Future screenings include, Masonic Hall in Chippenham on June 3, Bovary Hall in Pewsey on June 15 and the Royal British Legion in Salisbury on June 29.

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