Prostate Cancer Screening Success in Desford

A highly successful prostate cancer screening clinic was held on Saturday 7th February 2026 at Desford Community Primary School, offering an important health service to men from across the local area.

The medical team was led by Miss Jyoti Shah MBE, consultant urologist with the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, supported by specialist nurses Lauren and Vanessa, along with Jyoti’s husband Paresh. All four generously volunteered their time to make the clinic possible. Jyoti is well known to many Freemasons in Leicestershire & Rutland for her outstanding work within the Masonic community, and her continued commitment was warmly appreciated.

The clinic screened 69 men over an intensive 8½‑hour period, an all‑time record for this initiative, and a clear sign of how seriously local men take their health. Interest was exceptionally high, with around 85 enquiries received.

Screening was provided free of charge, and attendees donated generously to Prostate Cancer UK. A raffle held on the day raised a further £200 for the Blood Bikes Charity, whose volunteers transported blood samples to Peterborough for analysis.

The Freemasons of Leicestershire & Rutland funded the event’s medical consumables, laboratory fees, and incidental costs. Sincere thanks are extended to Peter Kinder and Andy Lee, the Heads of Craft and Mark Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland, whose support, together with charitable contributions from both the Craft and Mark ensured the clinic could take place.

Local support was exceptional. Mr Michael Cosgrove, landlord of The Blue Bell in Desford, kindly provided a superb lunch for the medical team and volunteers. Numerous businesses in Desford, Newbold Verdon, Barlestone, and Botcheston displayed posters and helped promote the clinic within their communities.

Special thanks also go to Mr Colin Wilson, Headteacher of Desford Community Primary School, for granting full use of the school premises for the day, an invaluable gesture that demonstrated true community spirit.

Representatives from the Leicester‑based charity Prostaid were present throughout the event, offering information, guidance, and reassurance to attendees about prostate cancer and its impact.

The remarkable level of interest in this clinic highlights the vital role such initiatives play in community health. The willingness of so many men to take proactive steps in safeguarding their wellbeing was both encouraging and inspiring.

Pictured left to right: Stuart Larkins, Mark Vallis (Blood Bikes volunteer), Di Beste, David Highton.

Pictured left or right: Stuart Larkins, Di Beste (assistant organiser), Vanessa Oliveiracosta (Specialist Nurse), Jyoti Shah, Lauren Henson (Specialist Nurse), Ann Highton, Colin Wilson (Headmaster of Desford Community Primary School)