Blog Layout
Augustine Thomas • September 17, 2023

Caribbean Rum Night with a twist of Prostate Cancer Awareness

1 in 8 Men, 1in 4 Black Men are at risk of developing Prostate Cancer. Check your risk factors: Black man, family history of prostate cancer, family history of breast and ovarian cancers, age 45 and above.

Cancer UK-Salone & Mayor’s Charity Caribbean Rum Tasting Event with Health Component.

In a splendid fusion of culture, charity and community support, the collaborative Cancer UK-Salone and Mayor’s Charity Hertfordshire Community Fund’s Caribbean Rum Tasting event proved to be an exceptional success. This memorable evening was a testament to the power of collaboration and goodwill.

The evening started with the Mayor of Broxbourne Cllr. Paul Seeby welcoming the guests his fellow Mayors from other Counties House keeping and a brief history of the former Cheshunt College where Missionaries were trained to you serve in African and Sierra Leone is one of the Countries that benefited. This demonstrated a friendship between Cheshunt and Sierra Leone. A brief statement by Ms. Tina Davies, OBE, OOR founder and President of Cancer UK-Salone. She gave a background of the charity and their work, she also welcomed the guest. Both parties MC’d the event.

On a Friday evening guests gathered at the Broxbourne Council members lounge eagerly anticipating a night of delightful rum tasting, cultural appreciation, philanthropy and health talk. The event showcased a remarkable blend of elements that made it a resounding success.


The star of the show was of course, the exquisite Caribbean rum from Wooden Moose. This artisanal rum, crafted with passion and expertise, took our guests to the heart of the Caribbean with each sip. The rich flavors and aromas of this fine spirit set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The event's success would not have been possible without our guests who wholeheartedly supported the cause. Their presence not only added to the festive atmosphere but also demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the fight against cancer.

The generosity of the local businesses in Waltham Cross Town Centre who donated raffle prizes and a stunning Diamonte African dress for auction added a charitable dimension to the evening. These contributions not only raised funds but also added excitement and anticipation to the event.

Tesco’s and Morrison’s Community Champions played a pivotal role by supporting the raffle sales. Their involvement highlighted the importance of community engagement and corporate social responsibility in making positive change.

A special mention goes to Paul Munim from Prostate Cancer UK, partner of Cancer UK-Salone who delivered an informative and inspiring talk on Prostate Cancer especially 1 in 4 Black-men at risk of developing the disease. His insights and expertise shed light on crucial health issues, awareness and promoting well-being.

Behind the scenes, the Mayor’s Events Planning team, led by Karen and Chloe, orchestrated every detail flawlessly. Their dedication and meticulous planning ensured that the event ran smoothly and left a lasting impression on all who attended.

The success of Cancer UK-Salone and Mayor’s Charity Caribbean Rum Tasting event extends beyond the night itself. The funds raised will contribute significantly to ongoing cancer work, support for affected individuals and families and community initiatives championed by the Mayor’s Charity Hertfordshire Community Fund.

In the spirit of unity and generosity, this joint endeavor brought people together, showcased the vibrancy of Afro Caribbean culture, and made a profound impact on the fight against cancer. It serves as a reminder that when communities, businesses and individuals come together for a common cause, remarkable things can happen. Cheers to a successful event and may it inspire more acts of kindness and charity in the future.

#canceruksalone

#prostatecanceruk

Cancer UK-Salone at the European Association of Urology Congress (EAU25) in Madrid, Spain

By Augustine Thomas • March 24, 2025
Diversity PROMS Stakeholders Group Photo (EAU25)

Prostate Cancer Capacity Building of 20 Health Workers from 20 PHUs in Western Area District Health Management Team

By TINA DAVIES • September 6, 2024
Prostate Cancer Awareness Capacity Building for Healthcare Workers – 17th July 2024  On the 17th of July 2024, Cancer UK-Salone, in collaboration with the Western Area Urban Health Medical Team, organized a one-day workshop aimed at raising awareness of prostate cancer among healthcare workers. This crucial capacity-building initiative, attended by 20 healthcare workers from 20 primary health units, forms part of the broader Prostate Cancer SL Program launched by Cancer UK-Salone in November 2023. The program emphasizes early detection, education, and improved treatment outcomes for prostate cancer, which remains a significant health concern in Sierra Leone. Opening the Workshop The workshop kicked off with a warm and insightful address by the District Medical Officer, who stressed the importance of early detection and the vital role healthcare workers play in spreading awareness about prostate cancer. With healthcare workers at the frontline of patient care, their ability to recognize early signs and provide support is critical in combating the disease. The workshop was led by Professor Babatunde Duduyemi, a distinguished oncology pathologist, with support from Dr. Challe, a clinical oncologist with years of experience treating cancer patients in the region. Their combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of prostate cancer, covering key topics such as: Signs and Symptoms: Identifying early warning signs, including urinary issues, discomfort, and other related symptoms that could point to prostate cancer. Compassionate Communication: The importance of delivering difficult diagnoses with empathy and guiding patients through their treatment journey with care and understanding. Genetics: Understanding the genetic predispositions to prostate cancer and how family history plays a role in assessing risk. Interactive and Practical Learning In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants engaged in practical assessment sessions. These hands-on exercises allowed healthcare workers to apply what they had learned in real-life scenarios, enhancing their confidence and competence in identifying and managing prostate cancer cases. The interactive nature of the training encouraged dialogue, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, ensuring that all participants could actively contribute and ask questions. Closing and Certificate Presentation The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognizing the dedication of the healthcare workers who participated. Leonoil, the sponsor of the event, graciously presented the certificates, symbolizing their commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and cancer awareness programs in Sierra Leone. This one-day workshop is a crucial step in strengthening the healthcare system’s response to prostate cancer and ensuring that healthcare workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide early diagnosis and compassionate care to those affected. With the ongoing efforts of Cancer UK-Salone and its partners, Sierra Leone is moving closer to a future where prostate cancer is no longer a silent killer.

Prostate Cancer Awareness at Bethel Methodist Church, Freetown Sierra Leone: A Key Step Forward for Men’s Health

By TINA DAVIES • September 6, 2024
On Saturday, 31 August 2024, Cancer UK-Salone made significant strides in prostate cancer awareness with a vital presentation by Dr. Len Gordon-Harris at the Western District Men’s Fellowship meeting. The event, held at Bethel Methodist Church in Wilberforce, was a pivotal moment in our ongoing Prostate Cancer SL Awareness Campaign, focusing on empowering men with knowledge about this prevalent health issue. The presentation was attended by 70 Black Men, all over 40 years of age, who form the high-risk demographic for prostate cancer. Dr. Gordon-Harris provided an in-depth look at prostate cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection. The attendees engaged in a thoughtful discussion, asking important questions about screening, treatment options, and lifestyle choices that could help mitigate their risk. Thanks to our partners, Prostate Cancer UK, we were able to distribute informative literature to the attendees, offering them valuable resources to take home and share with their communities. We are deeply grateful for Prostate Cancer UK’s continued support, which helps us spread awareness and reach those who need it most. This event is part of a broader initiative by Cancer UK-Salone to address the challenges Black Men face regarding prostate cancer. Statistics show that Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and often at a more advanced stage. This is why raising awareness in communities like ours is so critical. As we build momentum, we are excited to announce our upcoming awareness walk, “Waka fɔ wi man dɛn” This will be our first awareness walk, and it represents a collective step toward improving men’s health across Sierra Leone. The walk will bring people together to show solidarity and encourage men to know their family history, take charge of their health through regular check-ups and informed decision-making. Stay tuned for more details about “Waka fɔ wi man dɛn” in November in Freetown Sierra Leone and join us as we continue to raise awareness and support the men in our community.  Together, we can make a difference to close the care gap.
More Posts
Share by: