PDC referee Charlie Corstorphine raises money to benefit prostate cancer research

Leicester is hosting the World Grand Prix this week and, of course, darts features prominently. However, the PDC also carries charity work high on its agenda, and in that capacity, PDC referee Charlie Corstorphine is giving his best this month. Indeed, in addition to his duties on the Mattioli Arena stage, he is also raising money for prostate cancer research.

Corstorphine, who began his career with the BDO/WDF and has been one of the regular referees at major PDC tournaments since last year, is raising money for "Prostate Cancer UK" by taking part in the "Prostate United Challenge" in October, inspired by his grandfather's fight against the disease.

The referee must run 200 miles this month and is already halfway to his goal - having already raised more than 800 pounds for charity.

'Prostate Cancer UK' was also the official charity partner of the past World Darts Championship. It eventually resulted in a donation of a whopping £1 million from main sponsor Paddy Power following THE BIG 180 campaign. Indeed, for every 180 throw, Paddy Power transferred 1,000 pounds to the charity partner.

That the campaign did not miss its impact was shown by the fact that more than 136,000 men filled out an online test to calculate their risk of prostate cancer. Early diagnosis is the key to surviving prostate cancer. But without a screening program, men must ask for a blood test.

1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, and the risk is higher if you are over 50, black or have a family history with the disease. It is the most common form of cancer in men. The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, but because there is no screening program in Britain, it is vital that men understand their risk.