Ammanford-based Corgi is teaming up with Prostate Cymru in a bold step towards men’s health.
The Welsh firm – which has been manufacturing luxury socks, knitwear and accessories for more than 130 years – is aiming to sock it to prostate cancer by donating to help the charity organises PSA testing events across Wales.
Prostate Cymru is aiming to test 3000 men across the nation and already events have taken place in Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge, Brecon, Carmarthen, Cardiff and Swansea. With events in Narberth, Aberystwyth and North Wales still to come, men are encouraged to register, especially as men often display no symptoms in the early stages.
Corgi is a family business run by Lisa Wood and Chris Jones. Chris explains:
“We’re delighted to play a part to help Prostate Cymru get men a PSA test. In the past, we’ve produced Prostate Cymru socks to help raise funds for the charity which does some fantastic work, but also importantly, we want to do our bit to raise awareness among men and encourage them to get tested.”
The top socks company is royally recommended. It is granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Manufacturers of Knitwear and Hosiery to His Majesty the King.
And that’s why the Royal Warrant Holders’ Charity has also stepped in to help the cause, donating £3000. Claire Anderson, RWH Charity Manager explains:
“The Royal Warrant Holders’ Charity is so pleased to support Prostate Cymru which has been nominated by Royal Warrant holder, Corgi Hosiery. It’s a wonderful charity which raises awareness about testing and helps identify people at risk of prostate cancer. The £3,000 grant will enable it to carry out testing at eight testing sites across Wales.”
On the day, men are required to just give a blood sample and Corgi and the Royal Warrant Holders’ Charity’s support is covering the cost of specialist nurses that are available on the day and the team of phlebotomists.
Tina Tew of Prostate Cymru says:
“All men over 50 are entitled to a free PSA test from their GP. That drops to 45 if there is a family history or if they are Black. However, we constantly hear of men who have had difficulties in obtaining a GP appointment, and in some cases being refused a test.
“The evidence tells us that if we could make it easier for men to get tested, more men would welcome a test. And that’s why we are organising a series of testing events across Wales.”