Dads Quest prostate cancer appeal organiser Charlie Pepper with kmfm for Thanet breakfast show presenter Johnny Lewis.

By Peter Barnett

The Dads Quest charity appeal has hit its target to raise enough money for a mobile scanner for use around Thanet.

The equipment can be used in people's homes or in GP surgeries and hospitals and is a vital screening process in the fight against the disease.

A range of high profile events - co-promoted by Isle of Thanet Extra and kmfm for Thanet - plus donations, have hit the £8,000 mark and organiser Charlie Pepper said: "I cannot say how much this means to me personally and to the Dads Quest team.

"When I first launched the appeal I thought that it would be marvellous if we got anywhere near to buying one scanner - but with the generous and unfailing support and enthusiasm of so many people we have achieved our target."

Charlie's driving force for setting up the appeal in January was the death of her father Michael from the illness in March 2008. She said: "I wanted to do something to help ensure that there is proper early detection for the illness, through the routine use of a scanner and through blood screening."

So far more than 600 men have been screened this year through the Dads Quest campaign and the Graham Fulford Trust.

Fund raising events so far have included a parachute jump at Headcorn airfield, a water walking challenge at Hartsdown pool in Margate, quizzes, a Grandads' Quest trail and picnic for youngsters, plus a beer festival and a Strictly Come Dancing event organised by the Westgate and Birchington Rotary Club whose total is £2,250.

Other events planned for this year include a tea dance at Hartsdown Technology College in Margate on August 21, a Blue Ball at St Augustine's in Westgate in November, and a surprise music event during the autumn.

Charlie added: "It was a big challenge but we have made it - now we will see just how much more we can raise in the rest of the year towards a second scanner. We have received terrific support from groups including the Thanet Extra newspaper and kmfm for Thanet radio, the Westgate and Birchington Rotary Club, Hartsdown Technology College, and many individuals and volunteer helpers."

Dads Quest is supported throughout 2009 as the local charity for Isle of Thanet Extra and kmfm for Thanet.

Contact Dads Quest at www.dadsquest.co.uk