A Belfast entrepreneur has launched a vital health initiative, pledging to provide 100 free MRI scans for prostate cancer after his own father was diagnosed with the advanced disease.
A Personal Mission Driven by Family
Robin Emerson, a 38-year-old founder of Jorja Healthcare, was spurred into action after his father, Alan, received a devastating prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2016. At the time, Alan was 64, and the disease had already spread to his bones, making the tumours inoperable.
"It was a huge shock," Robin admitted, revealing that initial tests had misleadingly placed his father in a low-risk category. Following an emergency spinal operation that left him wheelchair-bound, Alan was immediately referred to palliative care.
The £35,000 Lifeline for Early Detection
Determined to help others avoid a similar fate, Robin has teamed up with the cancer support community nowwhat.health. Together, they are offering 100 complimentary MRI scans, which typically cost £350 each, representing a total investment of £35,000.
This initiative is critically important as prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England. Statistics from the Department of Health and Social Care show that approximately one in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with the condition during their lifetime.
How to Access the Scans
The free scans are targeted at those who have received high results from a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Applications are open until all 100 slots are filled. Furthermore, in a bid to increase accessibility, an additional 1,000 MRI scans will be made available for just £100 to other applicants.
Robin, who is aware of the hereditary nature of the disease and regularly monitors his own PSA levels, emphasised that "education of prostate awareness is key." He added, "Not many people are aware that an MRI scan can identify various prostate issues, including cancer."
Despite the immense pain, his father Alan continues his battle, drawing strength from his granddaughters. "Family is everything to me," Robin said, "and seeing what Dad's been through has driven me to help others."
