A sponsored run to put the spotlight on men’s health is taking place in Bournemouth on Sunday 13 March.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is inviting people of all ages, abilities and genders to take part in March for Men.

The annual event, previously hosted by Bournemouth Hospital Charity, will take place from Bournemouth Pier Approach on a route of 3km, 5km or 10km along the seafront to support men’s health services at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals. All participants will receive a March for Men T-shirt, and once they cross the finish line, a complimentary drink.

Since 2014 the event, which is sponsored by Oak Services, has raised more than £250,000 for men’s health projects in local hospitals enabling the purchase of revolutionary equipment that has transformed the care of patients.

Kevin Turner, consultant urological surgeon said: “Thousands of men from every part of our community are facing men’s health concerns such as prostate or testicular cancers. March for Men helps us purchase vital equipment to better diagnose health concerns and improve treatments. We would not have been able to purchase technology such as the blue light camera we use to diagnose bladder cancer without March for Men.”

March for Men tickets are £15 for adults (16+) and £8 per child (under 5s go free). Attendees are also encouraged to raise additional sponsorship to support the charity. All of the routes are wheelchair friendly.

There will be family-friendly entertainment from Mr Pop’s Balloons and you can even bring your four-legged friends along.

Sign up online at UHDcharity.org/m4m or by calling 0300 019 4060/8449.