I have sadly become increasingly associated with prostate cancer in recent years. In 2016 a great friend and hero – Martin Baker - passed away from this horrible disease. This was something that led a group of us to get an annual PSA test; which in turn led to two more wonderful mates; Simon Gresswell and Martin Hill; being diagnosed and treated - in different ways - successfully. And then in December 2023 I diagnosed positive; not because of my PSA (which was essentially zero) but more manual measures (say no more). I was lucky; a combination of a GP placing more weight on her instinct than PSA results and a super-surgeon Jim Adshead meant I was diagnosed early to have a precision prostate removal which has enabled a full recovery in terms of key functions ‘down there’. (The op was so amazing I even nearly forgive Jim for being a Spurs fan).

I was lucky as the PSA test is not infallible. It is the best we currently have, but it gives many false positives and negatives. As a result many people are not correctly diagnosed early enough to be as lucky as me. So finding a robust test is key as well as persuading ‘proud’ men that they really should get tested. This is why I am raising money by looking stupid. And this is why I am doing so for the amazing Bob Willis Fund – established following the loss of a true cricketing legend by such wonderful people as Lauren Clark, Katie Willis and our very own Simon Gresswell – with the objectives of raising general awareness and funding research that will find earlier. better testing.

It matters as prostate cancer is real. It impacts many many men – 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year (144 men every day) and 12,000 men die every year from it (that’s one every 45 minutes). So gents – please please get tested. And if you can please do chip in a few quid for the monstrosity under my nose - something that I and my wonderful employers, Admiral, will match. So please give a little if you can - it will save lives. Thank you, Bob Carolgees.