GIVINGBACK

Even before he went anywhere near a doctor, Stuart Rennie knew there was something wrong.

The 56-year-old’s energy levels had diminished, he kept having to go to the toilet, and the regular walks with his three dogs were becoming more of an ordeal.

Finally, his wife Caroline urged him to check out the symptoms and Mr Rennie, who journeys around Europe as a commercial manager, had tests at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, before travelling to Spain.

Within the next few days, he received an urgent message asking him to call the hospital. And that was the start of his ongoing battle with prostate cancer.

Understandably, the diagnosis came as a shock for the Catterline man. He said there was also an element of relief at the fact that he now knows the challenge he is facing.

He said: “I had the signs but I didn’t really pay attention to them at the outset and I would urge everybody else not to make that mistake.

“Prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers in Britain these days and that is because a lot of guys are worried or feel embarrassed about going to the doctor with this type of problem.

“I know, from my own experiences, whether in going through eight-anda-half weeks of radiotherapy – which took its toll – or having to change my lifestyle, and take so, so many tablets, that cancer is a journey.

“But you are not alone on the road, as I have discovered. And that is one of the reasons why I am taking part in Brave in May. It’s the first time I have done something like this.

“I received so much help and encouragement and pick-me-ups from people at ARI, at the Anchor unit . . . wherever I went, that I want to give something

“Don’t die of embarrassment. If you’re in doubt, check it out”

back. I’ve never thought of myself as a model or imagined I would be on a catwalk.

“But if even one person reading this decides they might have a problem with their prostate, I will feel I have helped. The message we have to get across is: don’t die of embarrassment. If in doubt, check it out.”

Mr Rennie is still undergoing treatment, but has recently gained positive news from doctors.

Caroline’s unwavering support has been one of the pillars of his recovery.

He said: “She has been fantastic, she has been there for me every step of the way, and I am really grateful for that.

“The dogs too have been brilliant and lifted my spirits. They know when you are up or down, and going out and exercising with them has been a big tonic.

“It’s one of the things about prostate cancer – you sometimes feel lethargic and you just want to stay in the house. But that hasn’t been the case with me.”

As one of life’s upbeat characters, Mr Rennie hasn’t taken time off work during his travails.

Stuart Rennie says his wife Caroline’s help has been a pillar of his recovery

Stuart and Caroline making the most of life with a trip to Paris