SPORTS stars and hospital staff were among the 350 people who stepped out to show their support for men’s health at a new fitness event on Sunday.

March for Men is open to men, women and children and involves a 1km, 5km, or 10km walk, run or march along Bournemouth seafront and Lower Gardens.

Team GB volleyball player Dan Hunter and sailing sisters Kate and Lucy Macgregor were some of the famous faces at the event, organised by the Bournemouth Hosp-ital Charity.

The charity’s fundraising officer, Barry Wilson, said it was a phenomenal start for what will now be an annual event in the town.

“It really exceeded our expectations in terms of support, not just from the number of people who took part, but also the 50 volunteers who helped with the running of the event.”

He added: “There are several local races that support women’s health, but until now, men’s health has been overlooked so we wanted to redress the balance.”

Consultant urologist Josh Phillips said: “Men’s health is an important issue in the community and one that sometimes is overlooked. Here at the Trust we see and treat over 15,000 men each year for a number of conditions including prostate and testicular cancer.

“March for Men is a chance for the community to get together and walk the walk for men across Dorset.”

For more information, visit bournemouthhospitalcharity.org.uk or call 01202 704060.