A fund raising appeal is under way to help save lives through the early detection of prostate cancer via mobile scanner machines.

Dad’s Quest has been launched by Charlie Pepper in memory of her father Michael who was 64 when he died last March after having the illness for seven years.

The awareness campaign has been chosen by the Isle of Thanet Extra as its appeal of the year - and we will support it with two major fund-raising events during 2009 to complement the comprehensive programme of activities already planned.

Working with The Prostate Cancer Support Association local Canterbury branch that covers Thanet, and the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, Dad’s Quest has a target of £16,000 for the machines and for funding for free blood sample testing.

Charlie, head of IT and Business at Hartsdown Technology College in Margate, has secured support from Thanet’s MPs Roger Gale and Steve Ladyman.

She said: “My family was devastated when dad died. I wanted his death to have some positive outcome so I vowed that I would do everything in my power to create greater awareness of the disease that claims a male life every hour. I also want to highlight the critical importance of testing.”

As well as acting as media partner for the appeal, the KM Group has pledged the majority of donations from high profile events later this year to Dad’s Quest, with an agreed amount also going to the children’s road safety charity, Kent Walking Bus.

Support has also come from Pfizer, the Seaward Copy Shop at St Peter’s and Hartsdown College which is supporting Dads Quest with a range of events in 2009.

These include a Valentine’s quiz and raffle on Thursday, February 12 (tickets are £4 from the college); a sponsored eight-person parachute jump from Headcorn airfield on March 7; and a bingo evening at the college on March 27. This date marks the first anniversary of Michael’s death and free testing will be carried out on site by qualified nurses from 6.30pm.

Charlie added: “I cannot thank the Isle of Thanet Extra, kmfm radio and the Kent Messenger Group enough for its support and advice which helped get Dad’s Quest off the ground. I am indebted to all those who have pledged their invaluable support - my message to the people of Thanet and beyond is let’s work together to make a difference through awareness and detection."

A full list of events planned so far, further information, ticket news and how to make a donation are available from the Dad’s Quest appeal on 07972923126 or email cpepper@dadsquest.co.uk. Further information is available from www.psacanterbury.org.uk; www.prostatecancermatters.org.uk; and www.guidestar.org.uk