A GRANDFATHER who lived his whole life in Hampstead Garden Suburb before losing his battle with cancer is being honoured with a specially organised walk

Katie Davies

A GRANDFATHER who lived his whole life in Hampstead Garden Suburb before losing his battle with cancer is being honoured with a specially organised walk.

The family of Michael Dobrin, who died in December last year after suffering prostate cancer, have arranged the Kenwood 10km Piddle Dash for June 1 - a walk to raise money and awareness for the disease.

Local people are being asked to lend a hand in the event through sponsoring, walking or volunteering to help organise it.

One of Mr Dobrin's three daughters, Josie, 34, said: "He was diagnosed with prostate cancer seven and a half years ago so he had it for a long time. He was 70 when he died. It was just awful when we found out.

"My mother had been diagnosed with myeloma just a couple of years before and we felt lightning wouldn't strike twice, but of course it did. The important thing with prostate cancer is that if you catch it early enough they can do something about it."

All sponsorship received for the walk will be given to a research project on the advanced stages of prostate cancer at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

Mr Dobrin visited the centre on several occasions and it is hoped the money will attract a pharmaceutical company to get involved and develop a new drug.

Ms Dobrin said: "Prostate cancer is one of the biggest forms of cancer affecting men in this country, but it is not that well researched.

"We told dad we were going to do a walk of our own to raise money for it. He was really thrilled at the idea. He was a very big believer in research - unfortunately for him he never got into a clinical trial but he really believed in that."

Mr Dobrin grew up on Meadway before moving with his new wife, Barbara, to their family home around the corner on Litchfield Way where he spent the rest of his life.

He loved the area - walking on Hampstead Heath and playing tennis on local courts - so his family decided it would be fitting if the walk was in Kenwood Park.

Ms Dobrin continued: "This is to raise money but also awareness. That's why we have called this the piddle dash. When you start dashing to the toilet and not doing very much - that can be the first sign of prostate cancer.

"If people have this symptom they really should get checked out. We want as many people as possible to take part in this event."

Mr Dobrin died on December 7 and leaves behind his wife Barbara, three daughters Caroline, Josie and Louise and four grand-daughters. His first grandson Benjamin Michael was also born last week.

The event is being organised by his family as well as his brother Tony and his family.

To sponsor the walkers visit www.justgiving.com/dobrin or send a cheque payable to PCRF to PCRF, Rm 305, The Blackfriars Foundry, 156 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8EN.

Those looking to volunteer by either supporting the walkers or walking themselves should contact Ms Dobrin on josie@bedfordroad.org.uk

katie.davies@hamhigh.co.uk