Golf
02 Feb 2026Epic golf challenge takes on new meaning after Andrew’s diagnosis
Andrew Stokes was no stranger to The Big Golf Race, having completed it four times to support a friend and fellow golfer who later died of prostate cancer. But now the Scot is more motivated than ever to conquer the epic challenge again after being diagnosed with the disease himself.
Playing for a friend
After losing his friend Bill to prostate cancer in 2022, Andrew Stokes embarked on a fundraising and awareness drive, completing successive Big Golf Race challenges and raising an impressive £40,000.
But the challenge took on a new meaning last year when the 61-year-old was faced with his own prostate cancer diagnosis after visiting his GP.
“A group of us decided to do The Big Golf Race as we all play golf. Bill didn’t take part on the day, but he followed us throughout and was delighted when we finished,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the following day, his son called to say he had passed away that night. As a group, we decided to try to grow the Big Golf Race.”
A diagnosis that changed everything
“I had read about prostate cancer, but never thought I had a problem. But over the next few years I found myself needing to get up in the night to pee. I went to the doctor and my PSA level was 13. I had a biopsy, MRI, then a bone scan, and the results came back as prostate cancer.”
Andrew, of Kings Golf Club in Inverness, began his treatment journey with hormone therapy followed by radiotherapy last year, and his PSA levels are now back to normal.
Looking forward with gratitude
“I feel quite blessed with my outcome. I’m very thankful and feel fortunate, rather than unfortunate. It also means I’ve been able to tell my son about his increased risk of prostate cancer.
“I was one of the luckier ones, and my outlook has changed since my diagnosis. I don’t look back and feel angry about any of it. My wife and I want to maximise our lives.”
Going the distance again
Now Andrew is determined to make his fifth Big Golf Race his most successful yet - with an epic fundraising tally in his sights.
“Our target for 2026 is £50,000,” he said. “I always say to people that if I can do it, anyone can. I’m a big guy, so if I can walk four rounds in 24 hours then most people can"
It sounds a lot, but the sacrifice you go through is nothing compared to what those with prostate cancer go through
“Finishing last year’s challenge was a real highlight. With everything I had going on at the time - particularly with my diagnosis - reaching my goal of getting 72 players involved meant so much.
“I was delighted to get to that point and raise so much money, and I know we can continue that going forward.”
Will you join The Big Golf Race?
Inspired by Andrew's story? You can help make a difference by joining the thousands of golfers taking to the course this summer to play 36, 72 or 100 holes of golf in one day and create memories with mates that will last a lifetime.
