Hope for Life Concert
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Peter Hancock and I have been a member at Lansdowne Church, along with my wife, Lynda, for over 5 years. In May 2019 I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at the age of 54, I had no symptoms and it was only because we had seen Bill Turnball on the breakfast news that morning, that prompted my wife to say to me, that due to my age, perhaps I should get tested. I am not one for going to the doctors, unless I need to, as I am very fortunate to keep very well on the whole.
What happened next and how did your faith impact this journey?
I had a PSA blood test, which stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, which can give you a reading to indicate whether there might be a possibility of any signs of cancer. This is not a full proof test, and for me my reading was normal. Because I had a proactive GP, further tests were carried out and as a result, I then got my diagnosis. You can imagine having had no symptoms at all, this was quite a shock at the time. Fortunately, having been a Christian for a number of years, I have a God who is there in my life day by day, through the good and the rough times. Having that assurance enabled me to trust in him to get me through this period and beyond. During that time, and since, I have found great assurance in the words of the song ‘What a Faithful God have I ,and particularly verse 2 below:
Lord of mercy, You have heard my cry
Through the storm You’re the beacon
My song in the night
In the shelter of Your wings
Hear my hearts reply
Singing what a faithful God have I
What a faithful God have I
What a faithful God
What a faithful God have I
Faithful in every way
What is your heart and vision behind this event?
As a result of my diagnosis back in 2019, I wanted to do something to support raising more awareness around prostate cancer in men, and the silent disease it can be, but if detected early then the prospects for the future are much better. I planned a Concert in order to raise funds to support Prostate Cancer UK, who continue to raise awareness and continue research in new treatments, and it is hoped in 2-3 years to have a national screen programme in place, as there is for breast cancer. Due to the pandemic we had to postpone the concert twice. So this year it is actually taking place!
Hope for Life Concert is being held on Saturday 18th June 2022 7.30pm at Lansdowne Church. This will be a great evening of music and there will be something for everyone. Further information is on the link below and there will also be tickets on sale at the door!