WEYMOUTH Football Club chairman Ian Ridley is backing a charity walk to raise funds for cancer research after going public about his own battle with the disease.

Mr Ridley, 54, who has temporarily stepped down from football-related activities at the Wessex Stadium during treatment for prostate cancer, is urging other men to get themselves checked.

Around 100 men will be taking part in Men in Pants, a four-mile walk along Weymouth Esplanade wearing their underwear over their trousers, which will raise money for the Orchid Cancer organisation that specialises in testicular, penile and prostate cancers.

Mr Ridley cannot take part in the event himself because he will be undergoing radiotherapy treatment but hopes some of the Terras players will get involved on his behalf. He said: “Anything that raises awareness of, and money for, men’s cancer has to be worth supporting.

“Too many men sadly bury their heads in the sand because they fear the word cancer and its consequences.

“As men, we somehow get this image of ourselves that we should be strong and independent and that seeking help is a weakness.

“But if men could just set all that to one side and start taking care of themselves, then a lot of problems would be avoided.”

He pointed out that prostate cancer in particular was one of the most common and treatable of all cancers and a simple examination and blood test could detect it.

Mr Ridley, who also writes a sports column for a national newspaper, was diagnosed after an annual routine check up.

He said: “I feel very grateful that I was diagnosed early on and I cannot stress enough the value of getting checked out by your doctor.”

According to Orchid Cancer, the number of cases of prostate cancer in Dorset between 2000 and 2004 was 3,472. The number of cases of testicular cancer was 148 within the same time period.

Men in Pants will take place on Sunday, October 25, at 11 minutes to 11 where there will be a prize for the best pants on show.

Organiser of the charity event Robert Sedgbeer, 46, from the town’s Rotary Club said: “Today, cancer is more prevalent than ever. I have spoken to people where family members have become ill and I know how difficult it is.”

To support this event you must raise an individual sponsorship of £20.

For more information or a sponsorship form please ring Mr Sedgbeer on 07887 755750.

Men have a small gland called the prostate gland that surrounds the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. This is the same tube that carries semen.

The growth and function of the prostate depends on the male hormone testosterone.

Initially you will visit your GP who will examine you. There will then be a blood test, possibly followed by a ultrasound.

If a lump or hardening is found, a biopsy may be taken. If anything is found that could be due to a cancer you will be referred to hospital.