A WIRRAL bandleader fighting prostate cancer will lead a awareness-raising march to fund research into the disease.

Bill McKay, aged 67, from Moreton, is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the first-ever March On Cancer event in Chester on Saturday October 11.

It is part of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which raises money to fund vital research which will get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.

Chester has been chosen as one of just 15 cities to host the parade, which will take place simultaneously around the UK with another march also taking place in Liverpool.

When Bill, from Moreton, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2013, heard the charity was looking for a drummer to lead the procession he pledged not just one drummer but his entire 16-piece marching band, Wirral Sound, which he leads as band master.

Grandson Duncan McKay will be the major drummer with daughters Vicky, 33, Kate, 31, and wife Julie, 60, also taking part.

Bill visited his GP after finding he needed to go to the bathroom more frequently than usual. His GP referred him to hospital for blood tests which showed he had prostate cancer. Bill agreed to take part in a clinical trail at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, where doctors used high doses of radiotherapy to target his cancer more accurately and for shorter periods.

Four weeks after completing his radiotherapy he's now awaiting further tests to see if the treatment has been successful but remains optimistic and has vowed to do as much as he can to encourage others in the same situation to seek treatment.

Retired telephone engineer Bill said: "It's been a real roller-coaster of emotions since I was diagnosed with cancer. When I was told I'd got it I was down in the dumps.

"The treatment didn't hurt like I'd been expecting but I found the side effects quite hard - like getting tired quickly.

"The whole band knew about my fight and going to band meetings - although I had to scale back a bit - was good for me as it gave me something else to focus on.

"My doctors have all told me it is really important to get diagnosed as early as possible and that prostate cancer can run in families so now I'm really keen to do everything I can to raise awareness about the importance of going to your doctor early and to help support research which is leading to the better treatments which are now available.

"United we're stronger than cancer so I’m urging local people to sign up now for March On Cancer in Chester or Liverpool.

"Our band has played at the Olympics and was trained by members of the Royal Marines so it should be a great atmosphere - people will definitely hear us coming!"

The Chester March On Cancer will start at 7.30pm at Grosvenor Park with participants following the path along the River Dee, passing Chester Racecourse and back under the ancient Roman City Walls, via the Town Square.

Alternatively, supporters can sign up to the Liverpool March on Cancer which will start at 7.30pm at the Pier Head, in front of the world famous Liver Building and pass the Liverpool Museum, alongside the Waterfront.

With the River Mersey constantly in view, the route will pass the Echo Arena before heading back towards the lights on the Pier Head.

Both events will see participants will come together and march for about 45 minutes through the streets accompanied by live music, entertainment and stories from people who’ve beaten cancer.

To sign up for the marches in Chester or in Liverpool on Saturday, October 11, visit www.standuptocancer.org.uk