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Michael’s story

January 31, 2023

In May 2022, 76-year-old Michael Marsh was diagnosed with prostate and bladder cancer and treated at the urology department based at Bournemouth Hospital.

Michael is now an Aviation consultant after a 38-year long career as a Captain for British Airways. His cancer diagnosis came as quite a surprise after living a very healthy lifestyle and because his cancers were very difficult to find to begin with.

He initially underwent chemotherapy and was then in surgery for more than 11 hours in September 2022 where Consultant Urological Surgeons, Kevin Turner and Amit Mevcha, used innovative robotic technology to give Michael the best chance of recovery.

It’s equipment like this that is enabling the urology department to do more for their patients. However, the hospitals charity funds the things that are outside of scope for the hospital and we’re dependent on our supporters to continue to give their time to helping us.

Michael joined our charity in our mission to get as many people as possible of all ages, abilities and genders to sign up to our annual March for Men event to directly support men’s health projects across Dorset.

The event took place at 10am on Saturday 25 March from Bournemouth Pier Approach and every penny raised will go far beyond the finish line to support men like Michael.

Michael is one of thousands of men across Dorset who have faced men’s health concerns.

He says: “These hospitals gave me a new life; I’ll be marching 5k for men this March to give more men like me a great future. We can all walk or race together to help fund more vital equipment for patients like me. I’m so grateful for the personal care I received and all that has been done for me and my family. Now I’m keen to give back.”