Memoir documents South Holland author’s battle with cancer - to raise charity cash

An author has documented his fight with cancer - in a bid to raise funds for two charities.

The Big C and Me is a emotional-yet-humorous take of battling the disease by a South Holland resident diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.

Written under the pen name Colin Clark, the author - who says he wanted to keep his condition quiet - has documented his journey from discovering he was suffering with cancer after an unsuspected swelling of the leg, all the while maintaining a light hearted demeanour on his pages.

“Prostate cancer affects one in eight men and, by the time you get to 50 you definitely need your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tested,” Mr Clark said.

“The real message of the book is get your PSA tested, but also I’m trying to take the fear out of it.

“I’ve tried to put some light hearted moments in the book. I’m very much a glass half full person.”

Breaking down his journey offers a brave insight into what someone diagnosed with prostate cancer may expect to discover.

“You can get all the information but it’s factual and cold. Hopefully this is a bit warmer. It’ somebody’s personal experience,” added Mr Clark, who has previously been published under his real name.

“There are some odd things in there. Like when I was in A&E and terrified as my leg had gone like this (beckons large swelling) and I didn’t know why. Then they come and tell me I’ve had heart failure.

“To me, heart failure sounds like engine failure. Bang, it’s done. But what they actually mean is that you’ve had a heart malfunction. Just moments like that.”

Prior to his diagnosis, Mr Clark had shown no symptoms of prostate cancer, and hopes his story can help others be more aware of their health, and also help those beginning the difficult journey.

“Your PSA should be 4 or below. Mine was 1,697, the highest they’d ever seen at Peterborough (Hospital) at that time,” he added.

“Now thanks to the wonderful treatment of the NHS, I’m now 0.04%.”

The Big C and Me by Colin Clark is available from local Macmillan Centres, Cards & More in Holbeach, Bennett’s Butchers in Spalding and from the author by emailing thebigcandme2025@gmail.com.

It is hoped it will also be stocked by Prostate Cancer UK.

The book is priced at £5.99 or above if purchasers wish to make a donation, with proceeds split between Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK.