In memory of Brian and Gerard
ON Thursday, 27 August, more than 30 people, many of them members of Spirit of Shankly, including management committe member Ian Byrne, will set off from Liverpool to Montefiascone in Italy, where they will begin a walk of some 70 miles over six days to the Vatican in Rome.
They are walking in memory of two men, Brian Omar and Gerard Moran, who passed away from prostate cancer, and to raise money for Lads at Larks, a support group set up by Brian.
It is the third year in succession that such a walk has taken place. In 2024, a group, including both Brian and Gerard, walked part of the Camino de Santiago, starting in Portugal, to raise awareness of the disease. Some also walked to remember their school friend Paul Rice, the first Chair of SOS, who died from leukaemia in January 2012. While in hospital, Paul said that if he recovered, he would walk the Camino. Sadly, he never had that opportunity, so others walked in his memory.
Last year, a Spanish leg of the walk was done in memory of Brian, who had died. Sadly, Gerard passed away months later.
Brian and Gerard
Brian and Gerard
“Everyone taking part this year will carry their own memories and personal causes. However, Brian (above left) and Gerard (right), and the friendship, courage and determination they brought to our group, will be foremost in our minds with every step,” John Nicolson, who has been on every walk, said. “Our journey this time will be especially poignant when we attend the General Audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on 2 September.
“We are walking to remember two greatly missed friends, to continue their work and to help more men understand the importance of prostate cancer awareness.”
Brian founded Lads at Larks, an informal support group based at The Larks, part of the Marina Dalglish Appeal Centre. Brian hosted regular informal meetings over a cup of tea or coffee for people to speak freely and openly, support one another through their experience of prostate cancer, and encourage other men to become more aware of their prostate health.
Gerard was a regular attendee and enthusiastic supporter of the group. It was Gerard, together with members of Brian’s family and friends, who helped turn a conversation over a few drinks in the Fulwood Arms in Aigburth into the challenge of walking the Camino.
Any money raised on the walk will go directly to the Marina Dalglish Appeal, helping to support the work of Lads at Larks and the MDA Charity. A robotic system for prostate surgery has already been purchased by MDA and is now in use at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
But this walk is about more than raising money. It is about starting conversations, encouraging men to take their health seriously and continuing the legacy of Brian and Gerard.
Please support if you can, but, more importantly, share the story. A conversation or a timely visit to the GP could make all the difference. Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages, so men should understand their personal risk, pay attention to changes in their bodies and speak to their GP about any concerns. Men can also ask their GP about the benefits and limitations of a PSA blood test.
If you would like to talk to anyone about Prostate Cancer symptoms or treatment or join in Lads at Larks get-togethers or the Marina Dalglish Appeal please contact either of the following:
Gary Omar: 07986 241034; garyomar@gmail.com
Mell Bateman: 07714335211; admin@marinadaglishappeal.org
For more information
2026 Lads at Larks Fundraiser
Urology team first in NHS to use latest robot for prostate cancer surgery