Meet some of our peer support volunteers
Janet
“My husband was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer with no symptoms, and sadly passed away 20 months later. It was a lonely place to be as many men seem to be living with and after cancer, instead of dying from it so I couldn’t find support for my circumstances."
Stuart
“I was diagnosed 10 years ago and started volunteering with Prostate Cancer UK in 2016, two years after using the service myself. I was ignorant of what to expect but the positive vibes of family and friends and the Specialist Nurse helpline encouraged me to focus ahead and I’m happily enjoying life today. I decided I wanted to be a positive vibe in newly diagnosed men’s lives too, to share my journey and how things are for me today.”
Keith
“I was diagnosed at age 67 with localised prostate cancer. I consider myself very fortunate to have happened upon the Prostate Cancer UK website, which offered information resulting in my being able to make informed decisions about my cancer treatment. I like to look forward, not back, and like to think that I took it in my stride. I now want to use my experiences to help men who find themselves in a similar situation to mine.”
Peter
"I was diagnosed the day after my 50th birthday and was told the immortal sentence of “you cannot do nothing about it”. After all the tests I was diagnosed with localised prostate cancer. My initial reaction was “I’m not going to tell anyone”, no one needed to know. Days later I would do a 180 on this and say this is why we have such a problem about it, especially in the black community. I was going to be prostate cancer’s worst nightmare because I was going to talk about it."
Caroline
“My partner was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2018, following a well man check. I am a retired nurse and have always been very passionate about user/carer involvement. Surprised by the lack of support available for partners of of men with prostate cancer, often referred to as “a couple’s condition”, I set up a face to face Partner Support group, and am involved in a national group. I also started volunteering with Prostate Cancer UK to share my lived experience and support other partners going through similar situations”
Michael
"When I received my diagnosis, it felt like the rug had been ripped out from under me. I desperately wanted to talk to someone, but the fear of a limited future held me back from opening up to my family. My confidence plummeted and everything seemed bleak. That’s why I’m drawn to volunteering, I want to become a beacon of hope, a testament to living a full life after diagnosis. Sharing my story and offering support to men facing similar challenges is incredibly rewarding."
