Peter's Dad, Pete, was diagnosed with prostate cancer aged 66 in 2011.
Peter said "When I first heard the news about my dad’s prostate cancer diagnosis, I just wanted the problem sorted straight away. I went into ‘teacher mode’ and did all I could to help dad and my family deal with this situation. I tried to be as positive as I could."
Despite initially being in denial about his diagnosis, Pete eventually opted to have surgery to remove the prostate. The surgery was successful and Pete was declared free of prostate cancer, but sadly passed away from another form of cancer in December 2017.
Peter feels that seeing his dad go through prostate cancer has changed his outlook on life.
“After seeing my dad go through prostate cancer, I try my best to speak to as many people as I can about this disease and help spread awareness. I have always been ‘pro-conversation’ about men’s health and want to help break the stigma around prostate cancer and make this a disease that men are not embarrassed to talk about. My mother and brother-in-law are also keen to let men know about this silent killer.
Peter’s brother-in-law has also been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but luckily, he was diagnosed with the disease early and had successful surgery to remove the prostate. He has been given the all-clear.
“I feel over the moon that my brother-in-law has overcome prostate cancer. He was very lucky to have caught and treated the disease when he did, as his cancer was just outside the prostate and could’ve spread. The sooner we raise the issue about prostate cancer the better, as chances of survival are much higher and my brother in-law is proof of that.”
Peter is also part of Prostate Cancer UK’s new brand campaign and features in the TV ad, proposing to his husband, Adi.
“I feel so privileged to be a part of Prostate Cancer UK’s new brand campaign on behalf of dad and my brother-in-law. Sadly, my dad died during the adoption process of my son and never got to meet him, so I want to do all I can to honour my dad’s memory and raise much needed awareness about men’s health. I am also delighted that the advert highlights diversity and that my husband and I were chosen to represent men from the LGBT community.”