Farmer Denys Fell, 75, has praised Jeremy Clarkson for speaking openly about his prostate cancer diagnosis, saying the Clarkson's Farm star has done a great deal for farmers by raising awareness. Denys, from Welton in East Yorkshire, received his own shock diagnosis in 2024 after a routine health check, which he described as feeling like 'the end of the world'.
Clarkson's public disclosure resonates with farmers
Denys said watching the episode of Clarkson’s Farm where Jeremy revealed his diagnosis brought tears to his eyes. 'I have a great deal of respect for Jeremy. I've watched every episode of Clarkson’s Farm. When you've been through it yourself, you feel for them, it's dreadful. You just get pent up with emotion,' he said. Jeremy’s diagnosis, described as 'aggressive but really early', was shared in episode seven of the Amazon Prime series, and he underwent surgery to remove 10% of his prostate.
Farmers face higher cancer risks and barriers to care
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, farmers are at higher risk of certain cancers, including prostate, skin, and those linked to exposure to harmful substances. Rural communities often have fewer local health services, limited transport options, and long travel times, which can delay vital care. Denys highlighted that many farmers are reluctant to attend health checks due to fear of the impact on their business. 'To be successful as a farmer, you have to be fairly independent-minded. The thought of an interruption because of a health test is scary,' he said.
Denys's own journey: from marathon runner to cancer patient
Denys was running a 250-acre arable farm, producing organic wheat for bread, when he decided to book a health check. A PSA blood test showed elevated hormone levels, and a consultant confirmed prostate cancer. Despite having no symptoms and having recently run the Boston Marathon, Denys was diagnosed with a Gleason score of 4+3, meaning his cancer was 'a whisker away from becoming aggressive'. He opted for robotic-assisted surgery in September 2024, front-loading farm work such as harvesting and hedge cutting beforehand. Now, he has blood tests every six months to monitor for recurrence.
Encouraging early detection and support
Denys hopes Jeremy’s decision to share his diagnosis will encourage other farmers and men to attend health checks. 'It is so much better to catch it early. As we say in the Farming Community Network: nip it in the bud, a stitch in time saves nine. Get it done, and if it's bad news, just know that if it's caught early you have a much better chance of a better outcome,' he said. Denys now works with Macmillan to raise awareness among farmers and even met the cast of ITV soap Emmerdale to inform a storyline about prostate cancer. He has since run marathons in Sydney and Cape Town, becoming one of 1,994 people globally to complete all eight world majors.
Clarkson's remission and ongoing impact
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Jeremy Clarkson confirmed a PSA test two months ago showed no indication of cancer, and he is in remission. He said the news of his diagnosis 'landed harder than I thought it would', adding, 'I’ve seen so many people die of cancer. It doesn’t bear thinking about what it must be like to live knowing that an illness is going to kill you.' Dr Anthony Cunliffe, Macmillan's lead medical advisor, said, 'Jeremy Clarkson’s decision to speak openly about his own diagnosis will prompt many people to reflect on their health and seek support sooner.'
