Event
21 May 2026"I had no symptoms." Liam's story and his Big Golf Race
After a prostate cancer diagnosis that almost didn't happen, Liam made it his mission to encourage more men to get checked - now he's taking on the Big Golf Race to raise awareness and help save lives.
After his prostate cancer was discovered by chance, 58-year-old Liam Burns decided to turn his experience into action - taking on the Big Golf Race to help more men get diagnosed earlier and save lives.
A diagnosis that almost didn't happen
When Liam went for a routine blood test last year, he had no idea that it would be the first step on the path to a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Although he felt completely well, he decided to ask for a PSA blood test after seeing friends diagnosed with prostate cancer and knowing he was in an age group at higher risk. He recalls saying to his GP, “I’m here now, can we just do it.”
That decision changed everything.
A few weeks later, Liam’s PSA reading came back slightly raised. From there, he was sent for further tests - including an MRI scan and biopsy - which confirmed he had prostate cancer.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Liam said: “It’s scary that something can be going on inside and you can have no symptoms at all.”
The importance of catching it early
The key factor for Liam was timing. His cancer was caught early, before it could spread, giving him more options and a much more positive outlook.
After considering active surveillance, surgery and radiotherapy, Liam chose SABR radiotherapy - a targeted treatment delivered over five sessions.
“I had five sessions in five days and no after effects whatsoever… I felt absolutely fine.”
Since treatment, his PSA levels have steadily fallen, and, at his latest check the results were reassuring:
“They can never say no, but […] there was no evidence of active cancer cells in my body at that time. If I had to choose a sentiment, I think I’d say I feel lucky.”
Turning experience into action
Although feeling lucky, Liam knows the outcome could’ve been very different if he hadn’t asked for a PSA test. It’s something that’s stuck with him - and changed how he talks to his friends.
“It’s made me a complete pain to all of my male friends. One of the things I always bring up is have you been checked, and if not, why not? A lot of men need a bit of a nudge now and then. Catching this thing early is crucial.”
Now, he’s carrying this message beyond his own circle, and using the Big Golf Race to bring his entire community together and raise awareness.
A whole club stepping up
Liam only took up golf a few years ago, but it quickly became a social staple. So when he decided to give back, the idea of a golf challenge made perfect sense.
“I said to my friend Nicky, who is the professional at Carlisle Golf Club, that it would be good to do something to raise money and awareness about prostate cancer.”
That’s when he discovered the Big Golf Race - a challenge where golfers take on 36, 72 or 100 holes in one day.
His club didn’t hesitate to get behind it.
“They gave us the club for the day for free. The president said it was a no-brainer to support this.”
Although the event isn’t until June, the response has already been incredible, with hundreds of supporters rallying behind Liam and this cause. “Within the first two weeks [we] raised £16,000. We’re aiming for more.”
Rallying support and raising thousands
Liam only took up golf a few years ago, but it quickly became a social staple. So when he decided to give back, the idea of a golf challenge made perfect sense.
“I said to my friend Nicky, who is the professional at Carlisle Golf Club, that it would be good to do something to raise money and awareness about prostate cancer.”
That’s when he discovered the Big Golf Race - a challenge where golfers take on 36, 72 or 100 holes in one day.
And, after suggesting it to his club, they didn’t hesitate to get behind it.
“They gave us the club for the day for free. The president said it was a no-brainer to support this.”
Although the event isn’t until June, the response has already been incredible, with hundreds of supporters rallying behind Liam and this cause. “Within the first two weeks [we] raised £16,000. We’re aiming for more.”
Why it matters
For Liam, the message is simple and urgent.
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. But catching it early can make all the difference.
“I am so glad I dug my heels in and got that PSA blood test, or I wouldn’t know.”
Now, he’s using his story - and his Big Golf Race - to help other men get that same chance.
Turn your round into something bigger this summer
Liam’s challenge is a reminder of what’s possible when people come together - on and off the course.
If you’re inspired by his story, there’s still time to take part in the Big Golf Race.
Get your mates together, pick your course and take on 36, 72 or 100 holes in one day – all while helping to fund research and evidence that could transform how prostate cancer is diagnosed.
Because every swing really can help save lives.
