At the age of 51, I decided to go for a wellman test and requested my GP include a PSA. The test revealed that my PSA was quite raised for my age. After a series of tests, it was agreed that I return for annual testing. After four years, and my PSA continuing to rise, the consultant advised me that I had prostate cancer and would need to have it treated. During the four years I formed the Brothers Reaching Out to/for Support (BROS), with the help of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, where I was a board member.

We commenced with a meeting held at the Heritage Centre Wolverhampton, with a number of high profile speakers. At the end of the meeting a Black lady approached us and said she was sure that her husband had the signs of prostate cancer, but would not talk about it and would not see his GP. One of the speakers who is a good friend of mine, shared his story. He was on a flight to America and read an article about prostate cancer. On his return he got himself tested. He was shortly diagnosed with prostate cancer. He rang his father in Barbados and told him, he should get himself tested, his father replied I had my prostate out about 10 years ago. His father hadn't told him. He rang his older brother, who also lives in Barbados, his brother said he had his prostate out about 5 years ago, his brother hadn't shared this. 

Both of these stories confirmed to me that the group was desperately needed and that we should include the partners and wives of men within the group and encourage men to share their situations with their sons, nephews and wider family members. The group meets on a bi monthly hybrid basis. It organises an annual fundraising March for Men walk around West Park Wolverhampton, to coincide with the PCUK March for Men in Battersea Park London.

Having started the group, I approached Prostate Cancer UK, to develop a closer working relationship with the group. PCUK formed the Black Mens' Health Advisory Group and asked me to Chair it, which consists of other Black men's prostate cancer support groups across the Country. The group has worked closely with PCUK to hone the 1 in 4 message to appeal to Black men, using appropriate names and images to ensure the message is landing. It has also been a critical friend and ally, resulting in a Black Health Equity Team being recruited, an Associate Director for Black Health and the production of the Black equity strategy being produced. I have been part of the presentation team at the House of Commons, on why a national screening programme is required, and undertaking radio and newspaper interviews for the same. I have supported them on a national GP online conference.