A CHARITY is celebrating a £74,000 windfall after it held two major men’s health events in Colchester.


CHAPS (Colchester Has Active Prostate Support) has for the past two years held day-long events at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, during which men could have free health checks.


It has now been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund because of its track record in running them, with the help of Colchester United staff and local healthcare support staff.


The cash will be used to finance a project director for the next two years to run the charity’s expanding day-to-day activities and future events at the stadium, as well as at two additional venues next year.


Men’s health days similar to the ones held in Colchester are set to take place at Southend United and Ipswich Town Football Club.


During the events, men can have checks including for abdominal aortic aneurysm, prostate cancer and cardiovascular abnormalities.