In September 2025, whilst working a night shift, I was browsing routine orders on the intranet when I came across information about The Mary How Trust (Mary How Trust Health Screenings). Sussex Police had partnered with the charity to offer subsidised health screenings to staff.
At first, I was sceptical. I was 32 years old, healthy, and had no symptoms or underlying health conditions. Like many people, I thought, “Cancer screening? That’s for older people, surely?” I also convinced myself that the appointment would be better used by someone else. However, for some reason I kept thinking about it, so I eventually signed up.
My screening took place in November 2025. The Mary How Trust provided clear information beforehand, explaining exactly what to expect and what tests would be carried out. The process was professional, informative and completely non-invasive.
The first test was an ultrasound scan. During the scan, the sonographer identified a small lump on my kidney. She explained that it could be a harmless cyst, but that it would need further investigation. The screening also included blood tests, bowel screening, urine testing, a PSA test, a health questionnaire and an ECG.
The Mary How Trust immediately provided a letter for my GP and within 24 hours, I had been placed on the NHS two-week cancer pathway. Further CT and MRI scans followed and due to the nature of the lump, surgeons decided it needed to be removed. A biopsy was not possible, so the only way to determine whether it was cancerous was through surgery.
In March 2026, I underwent a robotic partial nephrectomy, removing part of my kidney. The lump was sent for testing and was confirmed to be renal cancer.
Thankfully, the cancer had been detected early and successfully removed. I am now under annual testing and have an excellent prognosis.
What makes this experience so significant is that I had absolutely no symptoms. I felt fit, healthy and was carrying on as normal. My consultant advised that the cancer may not have been discovered for another five to ten years. By attending a simple screening appointment, I was potentially given a five-to-ten-year head start against cancer and, quite possibly, had my life saved.
I cannot speak highly enough of The Mary How Trust. Their professionalism, care and commitment to early detection are genuinely life changing. I am also incredibly grateful to the Sussex Police Wellbeing Team for partnering with the charity, securing screening places for staff and helping make these appointments accessible and affordable.
My message to colleagues is simple: sign up. Take advantage of this opportunity and attend the screening. I nearly didn’t go because I thought I didn’t need it. In hindsight, that would have been one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made.
As police officers and staff, we’re very good at looking after everyone else. Sometimes we’re not so good at looking after ourselves. Give yourself a couple of hours, get checked, and hopefully you’ll walk away with nothing more than peace of mind.
You never know—it could save your life.
Oliver
