Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page! Prostate Cancer Research are dedicated to creating brand new prostate cancer treatments. Prostate cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer in the UK and 11,500 men die from the disease every year. People affected by prostate cancer need breakthrough treatments, and research is the only way to turn this hope into reality. Their vision is clear; a world where people are free from the impact of prostate cancer. I’m part of #TeamPCR because I share this vision. Will you help me support their research?

My Dad was a devoted family man who did everything for his family. Unfortunately, nearing the end of his working life, Dad received the devastating diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer which had already spread. Despite the emotional roller coaster this diagnosis put the family through, he approached the battle with dedication, grace, and a positive attitude. Whilst first line treatment initially held the disease at bay, it did not take long for it to stop being effective and options then appeared limited without progressing to chemotherapy. However, he was keen to be part of a medical trial, not only in the hope it would benefit him, but also in the knowledge it would help others in the future. He was fortunate in securing a place on a global trial for a drug we would later learn to be enzalutamide. Luckily Dad got the enzalutamide and his PSA reduced significantly as the drug halted the spread of the cancer. Such were the results they soon moved all the men on the trial onto enzalutamide and off the placebo. 

I am immensely proud that Dad put himself forward for such a medical trial, not knowing if it would help him, but knowing it would help the advancement of medical treatment for prostate cancer. Luckily for us it gave Dad an extra couple of years (and a trip to Bristol every 3 weeks which we made the most of) and the trial helped contribute to enzalutamide being approved for use in prostate cancer before chemotherapy.

A keen historian, Dad loved tracing our family tree and whilst Cornish by heart, grew up in London with many links to the city including a love of watching the marathon. Since losing him, I have wanted to run the London Marathon in his name and raise money for Prostate Cancer Research. I can only hope he is as proud of me as I am of him, and the money I raise can help PCR keep researching and supporting men with this disease so they are not taken so soon.

Anything you can give would be much appreciated and I promise to run hard for the cause!