'Get checked out' plea by Wisbech grandad diagnosed with protate cancer

A super hero grandson has raised over £600 for Cancer Research after learning his grandad had been diagnosed with disease.

Eleven-year-old James Kennaway took on the challenge of running 60 miles in September for the charity, just days after his grandad Jim Kennaway from Wisbech, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Jim, 73, who is a member of the Cambridge University and District Rugby Referees Society, was found to have the disease when he went for a check-up for a hernia.

James, who lives in Thetford, took on the Cancer Research 60miles in September challenge completing two miles a day before school. As a result he has raised £620 for the charity.

Jim, who is tremendously proud of James' efforts, said: "I wasn't ill at the time I was diagnosed. I didn't have any symptoms, so in a way I'm lucky I had a hernia. I was sent for blood tests and they came back high and as a result I was sent for MRI scans and had a biopsy and that's when they found I had stage two prostate cancer.

"I saw the consultant this week and I'm now waiting to have radiotherapy treatment. It will probably start in December and will involve me having to go to Peterborough hospital five days a week for four weeks."

In the meantime Jim and his family including wife Sarah, who he said has been amazingly supportive through the whole process, is trying to raise even more money for Cancer Research as well as raising awareness of prostate cancer.

He said: "I'm a big supporter of Wisbech Rugby Club, and I'm also a referee. The club is holding its annual lunch on Saturday October 29 and all the money from that will go to the charity.

"We will also be doing some fundraising during the match, which kicks off at 3pm. The lunch is sold out but anyone can come along to the game - it is free to get in - but we will do something like a bucket collection.

"I would also urge all men to get themselves checked out. It really just involves a simple blood test.I have got some leaflets about it and will be handing them out during the game to people."

Jim, who is originally from Scotland but has lived in Wisbech since 1979, also had praise for the local NHS services.

He said: "I know people moan about the NHS but I really can't fault them. The North Brink practice in Wisbech have been great and so has the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, they have been very supportive."