I noted with significance the effect of 'girl power' when more than 14,000 women turned out to take part in the Race for Life in support of cancer research.

It once again demonstrated how individuals can make a real and lasting difference by coming together with others for a cause either close to their hearts or a personal goal.

Race for Life has achieved so much – raising millions of pounds and raising awareness of a disease which affects all.

As a woman I am aware, however, of the inequality of the sexes when it comes to receiving treatment from the NHS.

You see, just over a year ago I lost my husband to prostate cancer, at the age of just 51.

He was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in his 40s. He had no proven symptoms, he engaged in most sports and ate a healthy diet.

However he was one of the 10,000 plus men in the UK to die from the disease every year.

But there is no national screening programme for men as there is for women.

Having become a widow in my early 40s, I've decided to channel my energies to helping make other men and their families aware of prostate cancer and the fact that a simple PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test could save their lives.

Latest research shows that if men are checked regularly it could reduce the number who die from prostate cancer by more than half.

I'm now working as a volunteer alongside the Bristol Urological Institute (BUI) at Southmead Hospital and supporting Run for the Future, an annual 5km run organised by Bristol Rotarians.

Over the past three years this Run has helped raise £130,000 to fund vital research into the early and more effective diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

This year's Run for the Future takes place on Bristol Downs on Sunday, 20 September 2009.

I got thinking how great it would be if some of the women who took part in Race for Life would turn out again in September?

You see, it's not just the men who are the victims of prostate cancer – it's their wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters, daughters and all the other members of families whose men fall victim to the disease.

I would appeal to all those runners who took part at the weekend to register now on www.runforthefuture.org and help make a difference.

In my husband's last few weeks, he wrote down messages he wanted passed on after his death.

The key one being the importance of research into the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

I will be taking part again, knowing my husband wanted me to help.

Please come and join me and help save men's lives.

The next victim could be your man.

Jo-Ann Middleton, by email.