Prostate cancer currently affects 1 in 8 men in the UK. That’s thousands of dads, brothers, grandfathers, sons, uncles and friends.  

In June 2023 I was diagnosed with a Gleason score (3 + 5) 8, Grade Group 4 prostate cancer.  Thankfully, following a bone scan, I was told that my cancer could be treated with surgery, but there was a waiting list of around 4-6 months.  Having waited around 4-months, I had surgery on the 30th October 2023, with an expected recovery period of around 6 weeks.  Unfortunately following surgery there was a delay of 3-months before my appointment came through to see the consultant surgeon to discuss my recovery and the results from the removal of the prostate.  Thankfully at this stage, I do not require any follow up treatments, despite the Gleason score increasing from the original biopsy results to (4 + 5) 9, Grade Group 5.  I will be regularly monitored over the next couple of years, with my next PSA test due in June 2024.  Thankfully, I feel fit and the side effects following surgery are now minimal.  This allows me to be active, with walking regularly and playing golf at least twice per week.  

Thankfully for me, I was back playing golf in just 6 weeks following surgery and it is now time for me to give something back.  In recognition of the excellent support and care that I have received, I will be taking on The Big Golf Race Challenge on Wednesday 19th June 2024.  Along with my playing partner and good friend Michael Haynes, whose late father also had prostate cancer, aim to complete the Big Golf Race Ultra Marathon, by playing 100 holes of golf in a day.  This will be completed at our home club, Styrrup Hall Golf & Country Club, this is a massive distance of 37,522 yards, tee to green from the White tees.  

Any donations will help Prostate Cancer UK to fund lifesaving research to find better testing, diagnosis and treatments.   For more information about the signs and risks of prostate cancer please take time to visit Prostate Cancer UK  https://prostatecanceruk.org/ or speak to your GP about any concerns that you might have about your health.  Had I gone to see my GP earlier, it may have prevented the invasive surgery.  However, there is no point in looking back and I remain positive about my future.

In the event that you wish to sponsor this challenge, I thank you for your kind generosity.