AN INSPIRING man from Badminton who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer is planning to embark on an epic tractor challenge.

Andrew Gibson, aged 58, who has stage four prostate cancer, is planning to drive 500 miles in a tractor hopes of raising awareness and vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Andrew was diagnosed with the disease in April 2020, after experiencing ‘twinges’ for some time and was given just two years to live. 

Shortly before his diagnosis, he collapsed while refereeing a rugby match in Bristol. 

Over four years later, Andrew has undergone extensive treatment including chemotherapy and precision radiotherapy.

Andrew - who has previously served in the armed forces and was also a NHS paramedic - sets off for the challenge from the Badminton Estate on September 17.

He will travel through the English countryside before arriving at Hoghton Tower, near his former Ambulance Station in Chorley, Lancashire. 

The following day he will drive the return leg, finishing at the Bristol GenesisCare outpatient cancer centre in Almondsbury where he has been receiving treatment since his diagnosis.

At the end of the challenge, staff at GenesisCare, his friends and family will be waiting to give him a hero’s welcome. 

“I took my health for granted,” Andrew said. 

“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. 
 
“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.”

He added: “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.”

You can view Andrew’s JustGiving page see here - tinyurl.com/4usvw2y6

For more information on prostate cancer symptoms see here - tinyurl.com/34s3ccma
 

(Image: Submitted)

(Image: Submitted)