The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and ground breaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
As some of you will know I received some devastating news in September 2019. The story began in August when I attended my GP’s for what was a minor complaint, a sore on my face which I knew was sun damage and is also hereditary as my father and both brothers suffer with the same issue. Whilst at the doctors I just randomly said to her “I’m 56 is it worth having a prostate test,” to which the reply was why not. The following morning I attended the clinic to give blood for the test. At 12:55 the following day I had a call from the doctor asking me to go back in urgently. At this consultation I was advised that my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level was 276, the norm for a 56 year old is less than 3.
After numerous tests and scans on the 12th September 2019 I was told I had Advanced Prostate Cancer which had spread through my lymph glands and there were lesions on two vertebrae, 2 ribs, pelvis, shoulder blades and shoulder and unfortunately it was not curable. There was also a scare at this time that my liver was affected but I’m pleased to say this currently is not the case. However, since September 2019 things have moved on and after a year of Hormone Treatment the medication stopped working and despite some of the Bone Tumours reducing. In January 2021 they found new tumours in my groin that had grown to 65mm in a matter of months and multiple tumours on my lungs. As a result I am now undergoing Chemotherapy which fingers crossed is doing its job.
Since my diagnosis I cannot thank enough the Doctors and Nurses at the Marsden as well as my GP, The Princess Alice Hospice and the Butterfly Centre At Epsom Hospital for what they have all done. So to give something back I’m going to do the Marsden March, a walk from The Marsden Fulham to The Marsden Sutton a distance of 15 miles. This may not sound a lot to all you athletes but with the medication I am currently on I get breathless just doing a few hundred yards so on my part there will be a lot of training over the next few months. If the little bit I raise with your help goes to prevent one person going through the pain and heartache I have it will be worth it, because there are no words to describe how you feel or the effect it has on your family.
I will be joined on this walk by my wife Maria and son Dominic, my brothers David and Stuart and in spirit my younger son Cameron who will sadly not be able to join us as he will be out of the Country. Their support has been beyond words, if anyone else wishes to join us you are more than welcome, just drop me a line and I’ll send you the sign up details.
Now for the crunch I would be so grateful if you could dig deep and help me to help the wonderful work the Marsden do to research and treat all types of Cancer. Just follow the link and donate it doesn’t matter how small or large every penny could help save someone’s life.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-moore63
Finally, a little bit of advice, to all you men, if you are
over 50 go and have a PSA test. It’s too late for me but it could save you a hell of a journey.
Thank you for reading this and for you kind donation. If I have missed any one who you think may be interested in supporting this extremely worth while cause please pass this email on. Many Thanks Andrew