2010 was quite a year for Nigel as he has had to cope with becoming 'hormone refractory' as the research team who look after him search for a new approach to control his rising PSA. In March he started a new clinical trial that gave him quite severe side-effects, most of which have decreased over time, but a couple linger on. Whilst feeling quite low he checked his e-mails to find two messages that really raised his spirits. Macmillan Cancer Support had made him a Cancer Champion, for which he received a badge and certificate at our September meeting, and the American Cancer Society had awarded him the title 'International Hero of Hope', one of only two in the UK. On top of all that he has been made a Cancer Research UK 'Ambassador', which will require him to lobby politicians to encourage support and funds for cancer research. The first meeting in Westminster was on 3rd November to require GPs to perform better with early diagnoses and to keep accurate records of the stages and results of treatments from a diagnosis.

2011 has continued in the same way with new challenges and awards. In March he lobbied in Parliament on behalf of The Prostate Cancer Charity for more pressure to be put on GP's to act withing the terms of the Government's Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme that requires GPs to discuss prostate matters with men aged 50+ but 60% are refusing to do so. Cancer Research UK is presenting him with their Flame of Hope award as Ambassador of the Year 2011 at a luncheon in London on 10th June and on 18th June the American Cancer Society is flying him to New York for four days to address members of the United Nations as a Global Cancer Ambassador prior to their major summit on non-communicable diseases in September.