A year after retiring, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. What should have been the beginning of a well earned retirement spending time with family, making memories and enjoying the years he'd worked so hard for became something completely different.

By the time his symptoms appeared, it was already too late. The cancer had spread, and despite his courage and determination, he never got the retirement he deserved. Sadly, our family's story is one that far too many people can relate to.

What makes this even more difficult is knowing that prostate cancer can often be detected earlier. I hope by doing this I can help raise both vital funds and awareness, and hopefully encourage more men to get checked before it's too late.

If you're over 40, please speak to your GP about having a PSA test. It's a simple blood test that can indicate whether further investigation is needed. It takes very little time, but it could make all the difference.

In September, three friends and I will be taking on the Lemosho Route, trekking around 43 miles over eight days to reach Uhuru Peak, the snow-covered summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 19,341 feet.

I spent a long time debating whether to dedicate this climb to my dad. Part of me didn't want the added pressure of feeling that I had to reach the summit in his memory. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised it wouldn't have felt right not to. This climb is for him, and for every family whose lives have been changed by prostate cancer.

If you're able to support my fundraising, no matter how big or small the donation, I'd be incredibly grateful. But just as importantly, if reading this encourages even one person to book a PSA test or have a conversation about prostate cancer, then this challenge will already have made a difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give. Together, we can help raise awareness, support Prostate Scotland, and hopefully prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak that ours did.

And if you've been putting off that PSA test, please don't wait any longer.