Patient stories

In April 2019, I went on a journey - not one I expected to go on or even particularly wanted to go on, despite being an enthusiastic traveller. But in life we are often taken down unexpected paths.

Chris Talabi, 70, of Bray, Berkshire was diagnosed in 2014 with advanced prostate cancer.

Sue’s husband, Philip, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 and died on Christmas Day 2009, aged 57. 16 years on, she reflects on the legacy he left behind.

Richard Ware, 56, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2022. Last December, he was told that it had spread to his brain. Following his diagnosis, Richard found out that he carries the BRCA2 gene mutation and for the past 10 months he has been treated with olaparib, the development of which was underpinned by research at the ICR.

Phil Kissi, 68, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2006. Thanks to early diagnosis and successful surgery, he has no evidence of disease today. He explains why greater awareness around prostate cancer and scientific advances make him feel confident about the future.

Gilly Morgan, 60, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2014 at the age of 49. Fortunately, it was caught early and thanks to successful treatment, he has been living well ever since. Eleven years on, he reveals why he has made it his mission to raise awareness around prostate cancer, particularly among the Black community.

Tony McHale, a screenwriter, was invited to take part in the IMPACT study in 2012, an international clinical trial offering regular screening for men at increased risk of prostate cancer. Around 18 months later, he was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 61. After undergoing intense radiotherapy treatment, he has remained cancer-free ever since.

DJ and music promoter, Godfrey Fletcher, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 at the age of 47, shortly after his father was also diagnosed with the same disease. Since then, Godfrey has made it his mission to raise awareness and advocate for early testing, particularly among black men.