29 year-old Kayleigh Davies from Skipton is one determined lady. To raise awareness for Tackle Prostate Cancer, she organised a bag pack day at the Tesco store in Craven Street in Skipton last weekend raising over £400.

In total she has now raised over £2,122 and still has lots more fundraising events and swims to go as well as organising a Charity Ball on 13 October in Skipton. Kayleigh has been inspired by two of her father’s friends who have prostate cancer to raise awareness.

Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.

Kayleigh said: “I am organising a ball and doing swims for Tackle Prostate Cancer because I have seen the effects of this disease. Men are dying daily because they are not routinely checked by GPs for prostate cancer.”

In June Kayleigh attempted to swim the English Channel as part of a four person relay team. Up until two years ago Kayleigh could hardly swim as she suffers from an auto-immune condition, which means she is in constant pain as well as making her prone to chest infections. Kayleigh was diagnosed with sarcoidosis when she was eight years old which can affect any part of the body.

Kayleigh has taken part in open water swims throughout the summer including a 5K swim in London and the Dee swim.

Kayleigh added: “I have personally seen the effects of this devastating disease as it has affected friends and family and believe that it is important that we do everything that we can to fight and ‘tackle’ the illness.”

Tackle have recently launched their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and  money for the fight against prostate cancer.

Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 –  £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.

Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer, making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny Kayleigh raises will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community.

Kayleigh has set up a Just Giving page and Facebook page for her swims.

Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.” Kayleigh is a true inspiration to others she and she deserves all our support. Go girl!”

Kayleigh added: “I would swim all around the world to make a difference and help raise awareness.”

To sponsor the Kayleigh’s swimming challenge visit http://www.justgiving.com/kayleigh-davies6?utm_id=124