Meet Neil
I am the Chair of the North Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group which operates across 3 locations in North Wales, Maggie’s at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Tywyn, Meirionnydd with meetings held quarterly.
The North Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group are a non profit, volunteer-run support organisation for men recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment, post operative as well as individuals who continue to seek or offer ongoing support.
Our aim is to offer a non-judgemental space where men, their partners and families can meet others in similar situations, share experience, fears, hopes. This helps with coping, understanding and reassurance. We try our best to offer holistic support, addressing emotional, psychological needs; helping people navigate the journey of diagnosis, treatment, and life after treatment.
Myself and other members of my committee also offer other support by phone, email, social media and attendance at wellbeing events in private and public organisation across North Wales and to year 2 medical students at Chester University.
Through donations to the Support Group, I arrange and deliver PSA testing in the local communities through the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust for men between the ages of 40 and 80 which through early identification and intervention, has ultimately has saved a number of men’s lives.
- The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is a blood test that measures levels of PSA protein in the blood. Used with other tests it can help doctors diagnose prostate cancer.
- We have more information about tests and treatments for prostate cancer. If you have any questions you can call our Support Line on 0808 808 0000 or chat online with and adviser.
Having a PSA test and being diagnosed with prostate cancer
I was employed by North Wales Police and in 2020 through a PSA Test arranged through our Force Medical Services Unit and the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, my prostate cancer was identified, resulting in a Radical Prostatectomy in January 2021. I had no symptoms and did not meet the NHS NICE guidelines for testing.If I had not had that PSA Test through my employer, my cancer was in danger of spreading and my future outlook would now be totally different. Many men who come to our support groups with prostate cancer had no symptoms!
I retired from North Wales Police in December 2024 but prior to this I was an ambassador for them and attended subsequent PSA Testing event across the force every 3 months.
I am now an Ambassador for the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust and organise PSA testing events for Cheshire Police, the North Wales Province of Freemasons, Thorncliffe Building Supplies and male members of the public across North Wales.