Seven years ago my father, Andrew Ball, succumbed to prostate cancer. He was 47. He was in the “no risk” category and had no symptoms – indeed his doctor and a consultant, having preformed the undignified DRE (fortunately not at the same time!), proclaimed there was no problem, but a blood test taken as part of the routine partner medical, indicated it was worth further enquiry. A year on, after many more unpleasant procedures and a major operation he fully recovered. However, if undiagnosed it would have killed him within the next 2 – 3 years. Since then  my father has known of 60 – 70 others of his age who have been diagnosed with prostate Cancer and it now kills more men than lung cancer. Generally one underestimates, and often ignores, symptoms mainly due to ignorance.

    It is a rather important organ.  Apart from the un-talked about but debilitating “old men’s” diseases, if you are unfortunate enough to have your prostate removed because of cancer, you will be infertile and you are likely to suffer both impotence and incontinence.  Prostate UK is the only UK charity that provides seed corn finance to individual prostate projects aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating prostate cancer and other prostate problems. (Please see www.prostateuk.org).  Having lost his prostate, my dad cannot benefit from this research, but you can and you should take an interest - you (or a loved one) have a greater than evens chance of having a prostate problem sometime before you die and without the benefits of this research, that problem will take a significant toll on the quality of your life(and that of a partner).

    On 12th June, I, my father, his surgeon and 10 other fairly fit (and otherwise sane) people will be in Corsica to take on the GR20. At over 100 miles it is widely considered THE toughest ‘big hike’ in Europe. Rock scrambling, ropes and ladders are involved and this trek is not for the faint-hearted. We shall depart on this date, wondering, not only what's ahead of us, but whether or not we have bitten more than we can chew!

    This event is entirely self-funded so please help us set a record by giving as generously as you can. I ask you to dig deep to make a real contribution to this highly focused charity. 

All the best.


Julian Ball

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