My journey – so far
I completed my first Triathlon in 1991, the following 25 years I’ve completed everything from Sprint to Ironman, Relays to Tandem Tri and BTF Level1 Coach – well almost everything … I still had not represent GB at age group.
2017 - the target was to qualify for the GBTeam @ Sprint distance …. Everything was looking good, I picked up a few trophies in the 60-64 category, feeling fit and healthy
April 2017 – a routine health check up at the doctors included a blood test that showed a PSA 26 (2009 PSA was 1.9) ‘Malcolm – you have prostate cancer’. Numerous tests and scans followed.
July 2017 - Geraint Thomas was collecting his first yellow jersey as I had my prostate removed.
A speedy recovery – but I had missed all the qualifying events. Then someone mentioned ETU Ibiza, I entered a Cross duathlon in October. The surgeon explained that my aggressive cancer cells had got into the lymph glands - I needed to start 3years of hormone therapy and 7.5 weeks of radiotherapy (I asked if it could be postponed to allow me to compete in Ibiza - No!)
October 2017 – I had started hormone therapy and 3 days of radiotherapy but felt good enough to come second in my AG and applied for Ibiza. That was the last bike ride until March 2018.
November 2017 – Radiotherapy was a challenge, I was fitted with a catheter then with just 12 days of radiotherapy to go – I got a Q to go to Ibiza …. Yes, we celebrated
Feb 2018 – catheter was removed and I could start to walk and swim
April 2018 – I completed a few Sprint Triathlons – but 20’ slower than previous .. but progress was being made
May 2018 – I was sent to hospital with ‘complications’ – 4 weeks in hospital was not ideal – but I wrote myself a 12 week plan to get to Ibiza
End of June 2018 – I’m learning to walk and swim again ….
July 2018 – I’m on a bike – but having to stop regularly for comfort breaks and hot flushes!
October 2018 – the hotel and flights are booked …. I’m at the start line with ‘memory muscles’ ready and the words of Team Manager Marc Preece ,..‘GB never quit’ in my head. 2xGB age group medals are now hanging on the wall and amazing memories of being part of the GB age-group triathlon team.

‘1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives’ the problem is, as I found out, there may not be any symptoms.
The more men that get tested the quicker the unlucky ones can be treated and thus increase their chances of success.

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