When I heard that Campbell was walking Trek500, I wanted to do more than just give a donation. I like walking but, more importantly, wanted to raise as much as I could for Prostate Cancer Research given the last couple of years for the Garratt family.

Hugh’s brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and, after a lot of bashing from our junior doctor daughter, a perfectly well Hugh went for a PSA test.

The result changed our lives – of course, mostly Hugh’s, but close family too. Prostate cancer presents in different ways and treatment varies. Hugh ‘chose’ an operation to deliver radioactive isotopes into the gland, then twenty-five daily doses of external beam radiotherapy before hormone therapy, which means two-and-a-half years of testosterone suppression. Although he is lucky and the NHS is brilliant, there are side effects. He has a year of treatment left, and then, hopefully will regain some of his lost strength and vitality.

When disease hits, you learn about the many friends and others who have been or are affected by the same illness – it almost becomes a club. Early and accurate diagnosis together with targeted treatment is the way forward and the only way to improve existing knowledge is through research.

I have joined Campbell for 43 miles so far and will walk as many miles as I can. Irrespective of my miles, I hope you feel able to support this fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Research.