Usually a tale about someone having treatment for cancer can hardly be classed as a ‘good news’ story.  But a local Windsor man, John Strange was keen to acknowledge the part that local Community Services Club, Windsor Lions (part of the Lions Clubs International organisation), played in bringing his cancer journey to light – and hopefully to a successful conclusion. Windsor Lions Prostate Cancer Screening Event was held in April at Windsor Racecourse and for John it triggered a series of events that resulted in the removal of his prostate and the cancer it was harbouring.

John emailed the event co-ordinator, Diane Purchase, back in June saying:

‘Can I say a big thank you for organising the prostate cancer event.  I saw it advertised at Wexham Park Hospital and decided to book a place. My result was abnormal, and I now have a positive diagnosis which can be easily rectified by surgery. Without your event I would be unaware of this so thank you so very much. I am now badgering people to get tested!’

Almost 1100 men had a simple blood test at the event and almost 70, including John, needed follow up investigations for possible prostate problems which might otherwise have gone undiagnosed.

John has recently reported again to Diane ‘I have now had surgery and they have removed the prostate and hopefully all the cancer…Thanks again to you and the Lions as without your event it would still be silently growing inside of me.’

Talking about the event Diane Purchase commented: ‘Stories like John’s are why we are so passionate about this event.  Uncovering just one case like this makes it all worthwhile and we are very grateful to John for sharing this powerful story and encouraging other men to get tested.  We hope to stage another event in late 2024 or early 2025.’