A CHARITY established following the death of a young man will attempt to break a very ballsy world record next month.
The Robin Cancer Trust, based in Colchester, is hoping to secure the Guinness World Record for the “largest simultaneous self-check for testicular cancer."
Figures show about 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in the UK but if detected early there is a 98 per cent survival rate.
The huge effort will take place between 11am and 1pm at Sub Zero nightclub at the University of Essex on International Men’s Day, which this year falls November 19.
Hosted in partnership with the Oaks Hospital, in Colchester, the event will be led by a medical professional and everyone who takes part will receive a certificate.
Darren Couchman, who is the charity's community engagement manager and will be spearheading the massive check, is a testicular cancer survivor of 21 years.
He said: “I know first-hand how important it is to carry out regular self-checks.
“At the Robin Cancer Trust, we want to bring men together to raise awareness, reduce embarrassment and save lives.
“We need to educate young men on the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and also show them how to carry out a self-examination.
“I can't think of a better way to do this. I mean, it's not every day you can say: ‘I'm a Guinness World Record holder’.”
Darren, alongside his friend Richard Miller, originally set the world record back in 2010 alongside 205 other men.
Seven years later, however, it was broken in America when 236 men turned out to check their testicles together.
He said: "We would love to bring the world record back to the UK. I remember the awareness we raised from setting the original world record 12 years ago.
“It was huge, so to do it again would only help spread the awareness message even further.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and at the same time learn more about looking after your balls.
“I urge as many men as possible to sign up today to be part of history. Oh, and don't worry, there isn't any nudity at all.
“You simply put your hands down your trousers and carry out yourself check.”
To find out more visit therobincancertrust.org/worldrecord.
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