Cliff inspired me to follow my dreams
A positive, unintended consequence of having prostate cancer and sharing my story, is getting to know people who I would never have otherwise met.
Most, thankfully, have nothing wrong with them and I hope just go on to live their lives a little better having spoken to me, but others sadly share a similar journey but end up inspiring me to do more and never give up.
One of those people was the amazing Cliff Collins, just a year older than me. We ‘met’ virtually when he painted a montage of me using photos he had seen on the internet just because he thought I may like it.
Cliff, unlike me, was not a runner but was an artist, and over the years had painted some beautifully striking art often for charitable causes.
Most recently he painted a portrait of David Bowie and he allowed me to auction it and make some limited edition prints for Prostate Cancer UK, which raised thousands of pounds.
His most striking art, however, was on a First World War shell that now stands at Shell Corner in Halesowen, West Mids.
Sadly, Cliff passed away last week with prostate cancer, another great man taken too soon. Although I only met him in person a couple of times it was blindingly obvious that he was so generous of spirit and a man of positive, lovable character.
He enjoyed looking dapper, with his hats and a collection of 40 pairs of shoes. He certainly was his own man.
Cliff found his passion for art when watching sci-fi films as a boy, later going on to get a firstclass honours degree in art as a mature student, becoming the artistic genius he was – all because he decided to follow his dream.
I already miss Cliff but hope that you, like me, will be more aware of the dangers of prostate cancer and chase your dreams and do some good along the way. This would be a fitting tribute to a great man. RIP, Cliff.
‘‘ He was generous of spirit with a positive and lovable character