Hi my name is John.  In December 2021 I  was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

For me this was a total shock, I have a fairly active lifestyle and have been in the building industry since leaving school and considered myself fit and healthy. I had no recognised symptoms when I was diagnosed. 

2 years earlier my wife encouraged me to book a PSA test, I did this 3 or 4 times over time with the reading slowly going up with each test, when it gradually reached 6.5. At this point I decided to push for a scan, the scan had returned as inconclusive. At this point I was still not convinced with the results and insisted on being sent for further tests which the next steps were a biopsy.  The results were returned and within the space of 4 weeks, I was told I had Cancer. We had various discussions around my options and the best course of treatment and I decided to proceed with the removal of the prostate, I was very fortunate that the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate.

Fast forward 15 months I am living pretty much a normal life. I have one or two things I need to work on but getting back to 90% is more than I could ever of hoped for. Now I am a granddad with a beautiful granddaughter called Sofia and living life to the fullest.

Everyone from the surgeon to all the medical staff and nurses have been fantastic and I am now under their care to be monitored regularly for the next 5 years. 

As a man I do not recollect ever having a conversation with my friends or other men about prostate cancer. Its a shame more men do not discuss issues should they find themselves unfortunate enough to end up with any of the symptoms. Men over 50 are at significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Cancer is a vicious disease which one in two of us  will do battle with over the course of our lives, its why we need to provide Cancer Research UK with the financial armoury to help conquer it. 

This is my first fund raising event for cancer awareness and all my family suggested I chuck myself out of an plane! I decided to ease myself in gently with the March for men 10k walk! Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  Donations of any value will be greatly appreciated and will be going to a great cause. 

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