Press releases

February 11th, 2009

Race on regardless of charity pull-out

Link to article: Dumfries & Galloway Standard

August 12th, 2008

Focus on Men's Health

The Rotary Club of Dumfries Devorgilla is the Lead Partner and Facilitator in a new initiative promoting MEN’S Health in Dumfries over the next 3 months. We have started a campaign in conjunction with Dumfries and Galloway Council, the D&G NHS Trust, and Health and Sports Clubs throughout the region.

Men’s Health Part one: Well Man Drop-in Clinic

The Programme was launched at the Dumfries & Lockerbie Agricultural Show on Saturday 2nd August where the Club contracted NHS Occupational Health Department to operate a Free Confidential Well Man Drop-in Clinic. The two nurses employed in the Clinic, were testing blood pressure, cholesterol and general health. In addition, they provided a Health Advisor offering good advice on checking health issues and eating habits.

Demand for the service exceeded all expectations and 115 men were seen during the course of the day. As a result of the screening, 37 men were advised to consult their GP immediately with regard to either high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

We also hosted a Samaritans advice centre with Samaritans on hand to promote and advise on where help for the needy can be sought.

It was just the icing on the cake to be awarded the Cup and 1st Prize for The Best Stand! The judging/selection was done by “secret shoppers”, a young couple who visited the stand during the morning and commented on the health and fitness message, the display and the attitude of those of us on the pitch at that time!

Environment Minister Mike Russell MSP presented the Club President, Hamish Macleod with the cup in the Show’s main arena.

During the Show Project, sixteen Club members took part in attending the stand, in set-up and organising the displays, equipment and transport which was a marvellous team effort. Four local businesses sponsored the cost of hiring the Occupational Health staff.

During Saturday’s show our Rotary Club took the opportunity to launch the second part of our Men’s Health Programme, The Male Race, which is designed to encourage local men of all ages to get in training for the event, which will take place on Sunday 5th October in NW Dumfries. Full details later in this article.

Finally, at the end of the show, all who took part were rightly proud of the achievement. This is the scene just before dismantling the stand, some of the Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Team with the NHS staff and although a tempting thought, the cup was not filled with Champagne!

Men’s Health Part Two: The Male Race

The Male Race will be a fun run/walk for men to parallel the success of the Race for Life for women. Devorgilla Club Member Ken Asher identified a real “gap in the market” in Dumfries: many men attending the Race for Life to support partners/daughters have commented on a lack of opportunity for men, other than the die-hard athlete.

A 10k event has been run in Glasgow under the auspices of the Men’s Health Forum for the last two or three years. The time now seems right for a local event to encourage an active lifestyle and promote health issues with Dumfries men, while having fun and raising money for local healthcare charities.

The Male Race is being promoted by the Rotary Club of Dumfries Devorgilla, but is very much a team effort, with partnership from Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, Dumfries Running Club and Queen of the South amongst others. Queen's captain, Jim Thomson, shall be available to start the Race. Whilst Club members were running the stand at the Agriculture Show, Ken was across town at Palmerston for Queen’s first home game of the season, promoting the Male Race.

The Male Race is not intended to be a competitive event! We wish to encourage men of all ages, health and fitness abilities to take part, whether walking, jogging or running and be part of a new “feel good” community event for the Region. So look out your running/walking shoes and get in training!

As part of the event, the Club is proposing to run a tented village where local sports clubs from Archery to Volleyball can showcase their activities.

The Club is indebted to Dumfries and Galloway Council who in addition to their event management experience bring to the partnership their resources in designing and printing promotional literature including posters, fliers and entry forms.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the this website [here] or picked up at any Dumfries and Galloway Council leisure centres. Completed forms can be either handled at the DG One leisure centre or posted to Clydesdale Bank, Dumfries.

Clearly this event has the potential to run in the calendar in future years. The Joint Team working on the event have been staggered by the general support for the initiative; nearly 200 entry forms were distributed at the Club’s Well Man Clinic alone.

Funding and Sponsorship

Clearly, the Club is seeking to maximize proceeds from the Male Race for the good causes identified (see below). The support of the Council is covering the majority of publicity and promotion costs. However, we are seeking sponsorship to cover costs of medals for every participant, for the supply of bottled water and “goody bags”.

Charitable Support

Since it’s founding six years ago, Rotary Club of Dumfries Devorgilla has adopted an ethos to support local causes where it can: funds raised locally to be spent locally. We have identified two causes to contribute to this year from any proceeds from this event.

Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre

Caring can affect anyone and one in six people will become Carers at some point in their life. Nearly 42% of Carers are men. The Carers Centre provides information, advice and support to anyone caring for a relative or friend due to long term illness or disability.

Caring can affect all areas of life and many Carers don’t have time to concentrate on their own health. Looking after your health doesn’t always mean a visit to the Doctors. Getting the right advice and access to the right services can make all the difference too. Get in touch with the Carers Centre and staff can point you in the right direction, access financial assistance and provide you with the support that you are entitled to. Contact the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre at 2-6 Nith Street, Dumfries, 01387 248600.

Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Urology Ward

Funds raised will go towards the purchase of ultrasound equipment at DGRI for prostate biopsies. The Department does not at present have its own dedicated equipment, provision of which will enhance the Department’s ability to diagnose and treat Prostate Cancer.

And Finally…

It is not all about raising cash. This initiative has captured the imagination of so many. If we can encourage a few men out on the track on 5th October who would have never dreamed of taking part in such an event then we will have delivered a tremendous social and community prize!

For further information, please email the undersigned:

Bill Simon - bill.simon@kerrtimber.co.uk
Ken Asher - ken.asher@asherassociates.co.uk
Hamish Macleod - macleodfamily@sky.com