Emmerdale actress tackles March for Men in Leeds

The actress, who played Rachel Breckle in the soap, took on the 5k route with her dad who has prostate cancer, and a large group of family members.

Gemma, who has also starred in Holby City, said: “It’s been an incredible day, and really emotional in parts, but the support from hundreds of people has been amazing. There’s something very special about everyone marching together for a common cause, with someone close to them in mind.”

“One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, so the more we can do - the more men, women, children and even dogs we can get Marching for Men, the more lives we can save. I’m very proud to be here again this year walking and supporting Prostate Cancer UK and the fantastic work they do.”

More than 800 others took part from across the area walking a choice of distances around a circular route at Roundhay Park on June 23.

They were all raising vital funds to help beat prostate cancer.

Dave Garbett, from Leeds, was there with wife Amy and daughters Sophie, seven, and Georgia, three. While Amy’s father was treated successfully for prostate cancer, Dave’s father Steve died from the disease in September 2014. Since then Dave and his family and friends, known as ‘Team Garby’, have raised more than £140,000 by completing a range of events.

Sophie and Georgia completed the 5k route for the second time. They smashed their target and raised £700 ahead of the event as they marched for both of their grandads.

Dave said: “It was a great day with some amazing people and I’m so proud of Sophie and Georgia for their brilliant fundraising efforts. I know my dad would have been immensely proud of them both.”

Visit marchformen.org for more information.