A Derby local has been awarded runner up at a national awards
ceremony for his outstanding campaigning work for The Prostate
Cancer Charity. Stuart Watson, 67, from Oakwood was nominated for
The Take Action Award, part of The Sheila McKechnie Foundation's
prestigious annual campaigning awards, which recognises the efforts
of people lobbying for positive change in their community.
The new award is dedicated to people aged 60 or over who
campaign about issues that matter to them. At the awards ceremony,
held at St Martin's Hall in London, it was announced that Stuart
was runner up from a shortlist of three finalists, narrowed down
from hundreds of applications.
Stuart was inspired to volunteer for the Charity three years ago
following his own experiences of prostate cancer. Diagnosed with
the disease in 2004 at the age of 60, Stuart knows how valuable the
Charity's helpline, which is run by specialist nurses, can be in
providing support and information to men. Stuart said "I didn't
know about the Charity's helpline when I was diagnosed. I wish I
did as I felt like I was fumbling in the dark for information when
I needed it. I want to make sure men know about prostate cancer,
and that the Charity can help them.
Fortunately for Stuart his prostate cancer was diagnosed at an
early stage and he was successfully treated. But the experience
stayed with him and, like many of the Charity's dedicated
volunteers, Stuart wanted to support other people affected by
prostate cancer and decided to volunteer on a regular basis.
Since becoming a volunteer for the Charity, Stuart has been a
central force in its campaigning work. From taking part in a panel
discussion at last year's Labour Party Conference, lobbying MPs at
a reception in the House of Commons during Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month in March, to contacting all of the MPs in his area
- Stuart has tirelessly campaigned for positive change in prostate
cancer services. He is also attending the Liberal Democrat's party
conference this weekend to meet MPs and local councillors with the
Charity.
Stuart said: "Since volunteering for the Charity I've had the
opportunity to contribute to its campaigning work, and I've done
things I never dreamt of doing. It's not every day you get to go to
the House of Commons but I've done this and so much more. I'm
honoured to have been recognised for this work but what's most
important is that I know the time I give to the Charity will make a
real difference to men like me who are affected by prostate
cancer."
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity said:
"When it comes to our campaigning work we know that politicians sit
up and listen when they hear from people who have direct experience
of prostate cancer, especially someone like Stuart who feels
passionately about the cause. It's vital that men directly affected
by prostate cancer are at the heart of every aspect of the
Charity's work. Stuart is a fantastic ambassador for the Charity
and we're thrilled that he has been acknowledged for all his hard
work."