When Trevor Taylor happened to mention to his GP that he was needing the bathroom more often, little did he know that throwaway comment would spark a chain of events that would change his life forever.
Trevor, now 78, diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer several weeks later. That was six years ago. That he and fellow sufferer Tom Gough can go about living their lives is down to ground-breaking new research being adopted at Southend Hospital by their consultant, clinical oncologist Mr Imtiaz Ahmed and his team.
Now the pair, both keen musicians, have joined forces with Dr Ahmed to organise a special Music of the World concert being held later this month, featuring artists from the classical, jazz, pop, folk and Indian music scene.
It’s a way of saying thank you as well as raising money for the research team at the hospital, through Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity. The event will take place on October 18 at the Raddison Park Inn, Southend.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in the UK, and the second leading cause of cancer related death. Each year around 47,600 men receive a diagnosis and around 11,600 die from it.
But game-changing developments in the field – brought about by research – means more men are living with the condition.
Tom, 71, a retired City florist whose company provided flowers at all Royal events for generations, is now on a new drug, Olaparib, which is shrinking tumours in his bones.
“It’s been quite astonishing, as month by month the cells appear to be diminishing,” the grandfather-of-four from Leigh says. “I am able to get about, do the things I want to do.
“The care I received at Southend Hospital was second to none, and we want to say thank you as well as raise at least £10,000 towards research.”
Trevor, a professional musician for 60 years, is undergoing regular monitoring at the hospital following the diagnosis six years ago. A small cancer was picked up at an early stage six months ago, for which he is receiving treatment.
But for him and wife Carol, pictured, it’s business as normal. The couple have just returned from a driving holiday in Spain, and he continues to be part of the local jazz scene he has been involved in for the past four decades.
“I only went to my GP because of a pain in my big toe and happened to mention I needed the toilet more,” he recalls. “The NHS and the hospital have been excellent, so when Dr Ahmed approached me about arranging an event, I was more than happy to help.”
“Ongoing research is of course crucial in improving patient care and outcomes,” explains Dr Ahmed. “We can provide real benefits to patients, foster hope and save lives by advancing research and improving care for those affected by prostate cancer.”
All three men will be performing on the night, Tom as chairman of Southend Bach Choir and Trevor as drummer/percussionist as part of jazz group Mandala Jazz, Dr Ahmed providing the vocals for Anandadhara, an Indian music group.
Also featured are Leigh Orpheus Male Choir, The Ondines, Lele Bizzcola and Catherine Lima. The concert starts at 6.30pm and runs to 11pm. Tickets are £25 with some great raffle prizes, including a dinner for two at Leigh Bistro, a case of champagne and a spa day at the Athenaeum.
For more information and to book tickets over the phone call 0778 686 4263.