R.I.P Hugh (aka Father Hugh)

1 minute read time.

It has been awhile since I have been on this site, because so much has happened. Plus I have found it difficult.

Last year 09 I wrote a blog ('Never Let a Soul Brother Go Through the Suffering and Pain - STOP IT EARLY) about my husband Hugh being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

Sadly on the 4th June 2010 Hugh passed away after a long fight to over come this.

By coming on here is away to not let Hugh death be in vain and to say to all the Black Brother's and their families out there, please, please if you are 45 yrs old onwards and having any signs of prostate problems. GO AND GET CHECKED AND HAVE THE PSA TEST AND ALL THE OTHER RELEVANT TEST.

You might not have Prostate Cancer but at least once you have been screened you will be on the radar to be monitored every year.

Hugh always said if it is one brother that he is able to save from going through what he did then it is one life he has helped to save.

Hugh was not a man who was frightened of going to see his GP if he had a health issue. The sad thing was is that his GP did not take on board what my husband was saying about his health for THREE YEARS.

When Hugh was finally diagnosed his cancer had spread into his bones, spine, ribs, pelic and left femur.

To see Hugh fight everyday and also remained positive at all times was a humbling sight to see, even in his last days.

I will continue the fight which Hugh and I started and that is were every I can I will raise the profile about Prostate Cancer because African Caribbean Men are three times higher at being diagnosed and usually it is in it's Advanced Stage before it is found.

No more should this continue to happen.

R.I.P my beautiful Husband, you were light and inspiration, and due to this I will continue with our work and to set up a support group in our local area.

Cynthia

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hear hear! Early diagnosis is the key. My outlook looks good only because my GP was so diligent. I have a Jamaican brother who is fighting prostrate cancer like hell. We are all believers on this site or we wouldn't be here with first class knowledge of the disease but spread the word to those not directly affected. Get checked and if you are not satisfied get a second opinion. Time is of the essence.

    Keep smiling

    love

    Drew

    X

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Good luck Cynthia, I am sorry to hear your beloved husband lost his fight.

    I remember seeing a black man on This Morning, who wore his GP down into having all the tests, even though he was not exhibiting any signs of disease.  Good job he did, it came back positive but early detection has given him the chance to survive it.  He now too campaigns for awareness.

    Love & Strength

    Debs xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Cynthia we men need more women like you on our side to make the government and the health service realise that whatever else they say about the PSA test men of afro/carib origin and men with a history of prostate or breast cancer in their families should have regular PSA checks. The whole world knows that these men are at risk. Barbados has the highest death rate per head of population from prostate cancer in the world. The big charities seem not to have any teeth when it comes to influencing the health service in the end its going to be up to us men with support from you women. Im sure Hugh would have agreed. Oh yes and I would start testing at 40 because prostate cancer is not an old mans disease it is a slow growing cancer therefore when men die they do so many years after the disease has started a mans prostate remains more or less the same size until he reaches 40.

    Just shout louder Cynthia so the whole world can hear you as every man has the chance of a cure if it is caught early enough.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Cynthia,

    Very wise words of wisdom. But you know what we men are like we wait until its too late. I will make arrangements for next week to have the exam. Thanks.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Well done Cynthia. Keep up the fight. My best wishes and sincere condolences to you at this sad time in your life.

    Charles