Andrew Gibson, a 58-year-old former military service member and NHS paramedic, is on a mission to encourage the farming community to take charge of their prostate health.

In April 2020, after experiencing persistent ‘twinges,’ Andrew collapsed while refereeing a rugby match. Soon after, he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and given just two years to live.

Now, more than four years later, Andrew, who has undergone extensive treatments including chemotherapy and precision radiotherapy, knows his time is limited. Yet, rather than slowing down, he has vowed to keep moving forward.

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Andrew is embarking on a 500-mile solo tractor road trip to raise awareness about the importance of ‘harvesting your prostate health’ among farmers and to raise crucial funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Andrew will set off from the Badminton Estate at 8am on September 17, traveling through the English countryside and arriving at Hoghton Tower, near his former Ambulance Station in Chorley, Lancashire. The following day, he will make the return journey, ending at the Bristol GenesisCare outpatient cancer centre, where he has been receiving treatment since his diagnosis.

Speaking about his inspiration for the tractor road trip, Andrew says: “Research suggests people living in rural areas, farmers in particular, are less likely to engage in preventative health measures, including cancer screenings. This is due to many reasons, but one key factor is that many farmers simply prioritise work over personal health.

“I took my health for granted. Even when I started to feel the odd twinge, stiffness and pain it was put down to leading a highly active lifestyle – something I now know was a big, missed opportunity, which has cost me dearly.

“I’m determined to spend the time I’ve got left to spread the word to the highly active farming community not to dismiss the aches and pains and to harvest your prostate health. Listen to your body, understand the signs and symptoms and stay vigilant. If my story can help others to recognise or question their own symptoms and get tested, then I’ll be delighted.”

He explains: “I’ve been a fit and active man all my life. I was a non-professional rugby referee for 34 years and served in the military, but those days are behind me. When I decided I wanted to set myself a fundraising challenge I had to think outside the box. I can’t run marathons or climb mountains anymore. But I do love a road trip and as a country boy at heart there’s nothing more exciting to me than riding a tractor.

“TH WHITE has kindly loaned a Demonstrator T6/T7 tractor for my road trip and my friends and care team at GenesisCare have also donated their time and resources to help make this dream a reality – all with the intention of raising awareness of the disease and raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

At the end of Andrew’s tractor road trip, staff at GenesisCare in Bristol, along with his friends and family, will be there to give him a hero’s welcome. Among them will be former Rugby Union player Ugo Monye, who recently collaborated with Andrew on another prostate cancer awareness campaign for GenesisCare called ‘Know Your Roots.’

Monye, who sadly lost his father to prostate cancer in 2021, says: “Andrew’s passion and commitment never ceases to amaze me. It was a true honour to work alongside him earlier this year and when I heard about his Harvest your Prostate Health campaign I had to come down and support him. What a pro. I really hope that if anyone is worried prostate cancer or wants to chat about their symptoms or treatment options, I urge them to contact their GP or visit the GenesisCare website.”

To donate to Andrew Gibson’s JustGiving page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/harvest-your-prostatehealth?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fharvest-your-prostatehealth&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

For more information about Andrew’s ‘Cultivate Your Prostate Health’ campaign and tractor road trip, visit www.genesiscare.com/uk/harvest-your-prostate-health