'Join me to walk for life'
 |
| Alan Bradley will be among the many cancer survivors taking part in the 'lap of honour' in June |
A MAN who has survived prostate cancer is urging people to join him in Cancer Research UK's Relay for Life Witney.
Alan Bradley, of Burwell Meadow, Witney, has recently celebrated his 60th birthday, and will be among the many cancer survivors taking part in the 'lap of honour', which will mark the start of the 24-hour event on June 28 and 29.
During the event, the first of its kind in Oxfordshire, teams of people from all sections of the community take turns to walk around a specially prepared track at the town's West Witney sports ground.
When darkness falls, everyone is invited to take part in the Candle of Hope Ceremony, in which candles are lit in memory of loved ones affected by cancer.
Mr Bradley reckons he was lucky to have received early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
In October 2005, at the age of 58, he visited his GP complaining of abdominal pains, which later turned out to be irritable bowel syndrome.
At the time, his GP suspected he might have a bladder or kidney infection, and prescribed a course of antibiotics. Crucially however, a 'PSA' blood test was also carried out, which can help diagnose potential prostate problems.
The reading was higher than normal, so he was referred to a specialist at the Manor Hospital, Oxford.
Mr Bradley was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2007, after a period of close monitoring. He opted for surgery to have the prostate gland removed, and tests have since confirmed he is all-clear. He still has to have tests every six months for two to three years to check everything is OK.
"On reflection, one thing is clear," he says. "I was lucky. A visit to my GP for what turned out to be an entirely different complaint resulted in my being tested for prostate problems, and I was monitored, so that the diagnosis was made at the earliest possible stage.
"Whilst screening for cervical, breast, and bowel cancer is available on the NHS, no such screening for prostate cancer exists, and the Government should be urged to devote more resources to preventative measures.
"Men should not be embarrassed to go and see their GP if they suspect they may have a prostate problem.
"Cancer affects so many families every year. Relay For Life is a great way to support them by raising money for Cancer Research UK's work. I would urge anyone who can to take part and to bring family and friends along with them."
Barry Jessel, committee chairman for Relay For Life Witney, says: "We're delighted that Alan is taking part in Relay For Life. It's a celebration as well as an informal day of remembrance, and everyone who joins in takes away something special."
Cancer Research UK is the leading funder of cancer research in Britain, and supports the work of more than 3,500 scientists, doctors, and nurses at centres across the country.
Anyone wanting to take part in Oxfordshire's first Relay For Life, either as a part of a team, or as a survivor, should phone 07968 257903, send an e-mail to relayforlifewitney@hotmail.co.uk, or visit the website cancerresearchuk.org/relay/ venues/witney/
8:32am Saturday 29th March 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Tony Pratley, brisbane on 5:21am Sun 30 Mar 08
Alan Bradley is urging people to take part in the Witney "relay for life" well done my friend and I hope you have good health from now on, I urge Witney people to take part in this worthwhile cause, I am lucky and have good health but I am, with approx 1000 others taking part in our third relay for life at Pine Rivers Showgrounds next month
we are lucky as the local council support us with any help we need and the showgrounds are donated free of charge,24 hours sounds a long time but passes very quickly as we have a great time, fancy dress, big screen films,free coffee and sausage sizzle ,kids races yes youngsters (what a bad lot they all are )all turn up with their schools and raise money for people they don't know ,the local radio station broadcast from the relay for 16 hours, last year the police team raided another team and arrested their leader then held a mock trial all taken in the right spirit even the security man got up on the stage and sang for almost an hour, yes we may be weird but we are community minded as I am sure Witney people are both my mum and dad died of cancer dad in Witney hospital and mum at my brothers this caomes to late for them but if everyone pulls together it will be beaten,I may not be able to take part with you all but I will be thinking of you
Alan Bradley is urging people to take part in the Witney "relay for life" well done my friend and I hope you have good health from now on, I urge Witney people to take part in this worthwhile cause, I am lucky and have good health but I am, with approx 1000 others taking part in our third relay for life at Pine Rivers Showgrounds next month
we are lucky as the local council support us with any help we need and the showgrounds are donated free of charge,24 hours sounds a long time but passes very quickly as we have a great time, fancy dress, big screen films,free coffee and sausage sizzle ,kids races yes youngsters (what a bad lot they all are )all turn up with their schools and raise money for people they don't know ,the local radio station broadcast from the relay for 16 hours, last year the police team raided another team and arrested their leader then held a mock trial all taken in the right spirit even the security man got up on the stage and sang for almost an hour, yes we may be weird but we are community minded as I am sure Witney people are both my mum and dad died of cancer dad in Witney hospital and mum at my brothers this caomes to late for them but if everyone pulls together it will be beaten,I may not be able to take part with you all but I will be thinking of you
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
