A taxi driver has thanked one of his passengers for saving his life after a chance encounter led to a prostate cancer diagnosis. Brian Kelly, 66, from East Ayrshire, picked up Prostate Cancer UK volunteer Tam Hewitt in Glasgow in summer 2024. During the journey, Mr Hewitt spoke about the risks of prostate cancer and the importance of getting tested.
Despite having no symptoms, Mr Kelly recalled the conversation and asked his GP for a PSA blood test. The results revealed two sites of prostate cancer, one aggressive. He underwent brachytherapy treatment in June 2025, just after his youngest daughter's graduation. The early intervention meant the cancer was caught at stage two.
In a remarkable coincidence, Mr Kelly was called to Mr Hewitt's house in December 2025 for another fare. Recognising the address, he shook his hand and said: 'I just want to thank you for saving my life.' Mr Hewitt, 76, had himself undergone brachytherapy for prostate cancer 20 years ago.
Mr Kelly now regularly advises male passengers over a certain age to consider a PSA test. Mr Hewitt, who gives talks and organises awareness stalls, said: 'Results like this make it all worthwhile.' Prostate Cancer UK's head of health policy, Joseph Woollcott, praised the story as showing 'the power of men talking and looking out for each other.'
