TODAY (Wednesday, September 18), a man from South Gloucestershire will be driving from Lancashire to Bristol in a tractor to raise awareness of prostate cancer. 

Andrew Gibson, 58, set off on a 500-mile solo road trip from the Badminton Estate on Monday (September 16). 

He drove to Hoghton Tower, near his former Ambulance Station in Chorley, Lancashire, yesterday (September 17). And is making the return journey today, finishing at the Bristol GenesisCare outpatient cancer centre. 

Andrew was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in April 2020 and was told he had just two years to live. Now, after having undergone extensive treatment including chemotherapy and precision radiotherapy in Bristol, he wants to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. 

“Research shows people living in rural areas - and farmers in particular - are less likely to engage in preventative health measures, including cancer screenings," said Andrew.

"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. 

(Image: Andrew Gibson)"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.  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, his friends and family will be waiting to welcome him home.

To support Andrew and donate to Prostate Cancer UK, click here. 

Among his supporters is TV & radio broadcaster and former Rugby Union player Ugo Monye, who recently partnered with Andrew in another prostate cancer awareness campaign for GenesisCare called ‘Know Your Roots’.

“Andrew’s passion and commitment never ceases to amaze me," said Ugo.

"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.”