THE Wurzels’ accordionist and vocalist Tommy Banner played a starring role as Hinkley Point B began its efforts in support of EDF’s new charity partnership with Prostate Cancer UK.

Tommy, who is celebrating his 53rd year with the chart- topping band, visited the power station on Tuesday (January 28) to launch officially Hinkley Point B’s part in the new three-year charity partnership.

The event raised almost £1,000 – and Alice Ward, from Prostate Cancer UK, said such a show of support was “phenomenal”, adding: “It is testament to how important this cause is to the staff here.

“Our work with EDF throughout the country will now help us to reach many more men, raising awareness to make a big difference.”

While at the power station, Tommy talked to staff and contract partners about his personal battle with the disease, with which he was diagnosed in 2006, and the importance of early diagnosis.

Tommy said: “My late wife, Chris, and I were visiting one of our friends who was recovering in hospital having just had his prostate removed. He made me promise that I would get myself tested for the disease.

“Of course, I wasn’t keen to go to my GP for the test as I didn’t have any symptoms, nor did I feel poorly. But Chris made the appointment, and the next day we both went, and we were so glad we did because my results showed my PSA blood count was high.

“This led to further tests, which then proved positive for prostate cancer. There is no doubt that if I hadn’t gone for the test when I did, then I wouldn’t still be here now.”

Following his unexpected diagnosis, Tommy took a short break from the band and received life-saving treatment, including the removal of his prostate and radiotherapy, and within four months he had fully recovered and was back on stage performing with The Wurzels again.

“I am one of the lucky ones as I have lived to tell the story” added Tommy.

“My advice to all men would be don’t be frightened, talk to your partner, and go to the doctors and get yourselves tested for prostate cancer ... it may save your life.”

Hinkley Point B’s station director Peter Evans also played his part for the charity on the launch day by taking part in a 90-minute static row challenge.

He said: “This is a wonderful charity to support as prostate cancer has touched so many lives, and not only will we be raising awareness about the condition at the partnership launch, we will also be raising money for the charity.

“Statistics tell us sadly one person dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes in the UK, and I have accepted a challenge to row on a static rowing machine for 90 minutes to raise money.

“Applying these statistics would mean two people will die from prostate cancer in the 90 minutes I am rowing.”