BRAVE fund-raisers proved men can do their bit in the fight against testicular cancer.

As well as a 10km fun run called Mencan, activities from body waxing to a pub crawl were organised to raise money for Cancer Research UK's work into the disease.

Mencan's organiser Michael Skilbeck was inspired to stage the event after his step-father was diagnosed with the disease 10 years ago.

"The race is called Mencan because men can get cancer, men can run the race and men can get over cancer", said Mr Skilbeck, of Haines Avenue, Warndon Villages, Worcester.

The men-only race was started by the Territorial Army firing a 104lb gun at the Countryside Centre near County Hall yesterday afternoon. Fifty nine competitors took part, including Andy Portman and Gary Lock, who dressed the part as a pair of testicles.

And brave 25 year-old James Turton's hair-raising contribution was to have his legs, chest and arms waxed by Arushi Korrin from Nature's Way beauty salon in Foregate Street, Worcester.

The day also featured a dog show, a display by Tetsudo Martial Arts Club, a car boot sale and a barbecue.

Raising a glass on the other side of the city, fund-raisers drank their way from the Halfway House in Fernhill Heath, to Chicago Rock Caf in New Street, stopping at 14 other pubs en route, in a pub crawl organised by Paul Wild.

Money was also raised for the event with a recent head shave at the Virgin Tavern in Tolladine and a Dress Down day at Nunnery Wood High School.

Mr Skilbeck said he was hoping to raise around £8,000.

"It was a fantastic day," he said. "Everyone was in a very charitable mood. It's definitely going to be back next year."