A retired policeman is urging men to get checked for prostate cancer after frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom turned out to be stage four prostate cancer. Tommy Robertson, 63, from Bishopton, received the diagnosis almost four years ago but says he remains as positive as ever and is living life to the full.
Tommy, a grandad, was prompted to see his GP after a conversation during a pre-football lunch with friends. He told the Record: "One of my friends turned round and said: 'Look guys, let me tell you, I've got cancer'. It wasn't prostate cancer but I thought: 'I'm 60, I'm going to go and get the examination for prostate cancer'."
PSA test revealed advanced cancer
Tommy said there were no symptoms whatsoever when he went to his GP. He explained: "I went along to my GP and told him what I was looking for. He took the PSA blood sample and told me he'd be in contact in a couple of weeks. About two days later, he called and asked me to come in."
He continued: "I went in the next day and he said that the PSA test was something really quite astronomical. I was told pretty quickly that I had advanced prostate cancer." It was only later that he learned his frequent trips to the bathroom during the night could be a sign of the condition.
Fundraising for the Beatson
Last year, Tommy and his wife Ali, 61, were cheered on by their grandson Arthur as they raised £3,000 for charity by taking part in Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 cycling challenge. The couple were "humbled" to be invited to the launch of the 2026 event, where they met the six-time Olympic champion. Tommy has now signed up for the event again this year, taking part in the static cycle challenge due to some of the medication he is on.
Tommy, who professes that he hates cycling but hates cancer more, said: "I do firmly believe that there isn't enough awareness of the condition. Our donations are going to be for the Beatson because of the amazing service that I had and continue to get from them. Prostate cancer is very prevalent in men of my age but then you look at someone like Chris Hoy who was 47 when he was diagnosed so my message is to get it checked and look after yourself."
Breaking down stigmas
Tommy also wants to help break down stigmas around prostate cancer, as friends have told him they "don't want a doctor going near their backside" or they "would rather not know" if they had cancer. He said: "I am quite passionate about it. I want to try and dispel that attitude of men thinking that if it's going to happen, it's going to happen. It doesn't have to happen."
Despite his diagnosis, Tommy remains the same man he was before that lunchtime conversation four years ago. He added: "I've got an amazing life. I've got a lovely grandson, I am retired, we go lots of holidays and I've got two dogs. We have a very, very positive life and a positive outlook on life. I have always had that and that is never going to change."
Tommy's fundraiser for the 2026 Tour de 4, which takes place on Sunday, September 6, is available on GoFundMe.
