‘Memories that will last a lifetime’: how an early diagnosis sparked more special moments for Nick, Alfred and Gary

When you think about the future, what do you see? More long summer evenings in the garden with friends? More Saturday afternoons cheering on your team from the stands? More birthdays, weddings and anniversaries celebrating with the people you love? 

Time is precious. And however you choose to spend yours, it’s the memories you make along the way that will last a lifetime. But what if you could make more of these special memories?  

When it comes to prostate cancer, early diagnosis is crucial. Because the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.  

And it starts with just 30 seconds of your time. That’s all it takes to check your risk of prostate cancer. 

CHECK MY RISK

Magical Wembley win is the prize for Palace fan Nick

Football fans are used to the highs and lows – whether it’s watching your team inch towards promotion or scrap to beat the drop. But for boyhood Crystal Palace fan Nick, decades of dedicated support finally paid off this year.

Following the Eagles on a magical cup run to Wembley had been the stuff of fantasy – until Saturday 17 May, when a historic victory over Manchester City sealed their first ever FA Cup. 

“As a lifelong Palace fan, I never dared to dream we’d win – let alone beat one of the best teams in world football to do it,” said Nick. “As soon as we scored it suddenly felt like destiny.” 

It was a magical moment Nick could so easily have missed. Because seven years earlier he’d been diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48. He’d heard about BBC presenter Bill Turnbull’s diagnosis and decided to speak to his GP about having a PSA blood test to check for signs. 

“Even though I was initially put on active surveillance, my cancer spread rapidly – so my early diagnosis was crucial,” he added. “If I hadn’t taken action to speak to my GP, who knows what might have happened next?” 

Nick chose to have surgery to remove his prostate. He made a full recovery and today he’s leading a normal life without cancer. 

“As a football fan you have to follow your team through thick and thin," he added. "And Palace supporters know there have been plenty of heartbreaks over the years! But through all the ups and downs, the play-off celebrations and the agonies of relegation, winning at Wembley made it all worthwhile.” 

“When we were celebrating after the final whistle, I remember thinking to myself - thank goodness you’re here to experience this, thank goodness you got yourself checked when you did."

More family time for Alfred to spend with his three grandchildren

For Web Designer Alfred, getting his prostate cancer diagnosed early gave him the chance to watch his family grow and grow. In fact, since his diagnosis and treatment, he’s welcomed three beautiful grandchildren into his life. 

“When I think about the opportunities I’ve had to spend more time with my family – that’s been priceless to me,” said Alfred.  

“Especially being around for the birth of my grandchildren Erin, Joshua and Aria. Having them in our lives has been a true joy and I’m so grateful I’ve had the time to meet and spend time with them.” 

Alfred was only 50 when he went to see his GP. He’d been feeling pain in his back, which he put down to lifting weights at the gym.  

But he’d heard Black men were at higher risk of prostate cancer – and after discussing it with his doctor, he chose to have a PSA blood test. Further tests led to a diagnosis. But crucially it came early, so Alfred had options. 

“The fact I got my diagnosis at an early stage, when I still had time to do something about it, was so important,” he explained. “It meant I had more options for treatment, and I chose to have my prostate removed with surgery. 

“Unfortunately not all men find it early – far too many only discover prostate cancer when it’s already too late. So I actually feel very lucky. 

“I’m so glad I went to speak to my GP and had that test. Because getting diagnosed when I did has opened up so many possibilities that otherwise I’d have missed out on.”  

Gary’s travel adventures spark more incredible memories

Some of the most memorable moments of Gary’s life have come a little further from home – while travelling the world to photograph exotic animals in their natural habitats. 

But these aren’t merely distant memories from decades gone by. Several of Gary’s most exciting adventures have come in the years since his diagnosis. 

“As a wildlife photographer, I’ve been lucky to enjoy some truly breath-taking experiences,” said Gary. “But I must admit, when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer I thought those days were a thing of the past. I thought having cancer would make it impossible for me to take on trips like that again. 

“But I was wrong. Getting diagnosed early has given me the chance to do things I thought were off the table.” 

Gary – in his early 60s at the time – asked his GP for a PSA blood test after a chance conversation with friends on the golf course. But hearing the news he had prostate cancer still came as a huge shock. 

Fortunately his early diagnosis gave him the chance to have surgery to remove his prostate. And he hasn’t let his cancer stop him travelling the world. 

“My first trip was to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya where I photographed elephants,” said Gary. “Since then I’ve been to the Arctic, Africa, Iceland and Sweden, and I’m planning another trip to the Far East. I’ve realised there is a life after prostate cancer.” 

Three simple questions - check your risk today

It’s not about luck. It’s not about fate. It’s about knowing your risk and taking control today, so you can enjoy more tomorrows. Because if you find prostate cancer early, it’s much easier to treat. 

Check your risk online today by answering three simple questions. 

CHECK MY RISK IN 30 SECONDS