A bus driver who had two hip replacements after losing eight stone and being treated for cancer is set to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.
Les Scott from Telford says he’s finally got his life back after discovering symptoms of bladder cancer the day before his wedding in 2017. Although the ceremony went ahead, the shock diagnosis meant he had to put his life on hold and postpone much needed surgery to replace both hips.
Then, just as he was about to return to work after cancer treatment and two hip surgeries, Les fell off a stepladder, breaking the metal stem in one of his new hips.
After months of being forced to use a scooter and walking stick to get around, Les is now planning to walk the 10k Race for Life at Telford Town Park on Sunday May 25.
He’s urging people of all ages and abilities to join in one of six events taking place across Shropshire starting with Race for Life Pretty Muddy – a 5k mud splattered obstacle course – at Weston Park on Saturday, May 17.
Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Les, who got down to 17 stone from 24 stone ahead of his wedding in 2017 will be raising funds in memory of his mum who died of pancreatic cancer as well as to thank researchers for the treatment that saved his life.
The 64-year-old Arriva bus driver said: “Being diagnosed with bladder cancer was quite a shock. I thought I had cystitis, but I went to the chemist the day before my wedding and got told men can’t get that. My wife was worried because her first husband died of cancer, but I just decided to put myself in the hands of the doctors.
“They told me that bladder cancer is often diagnosed late in men because they don’t speak up about their symptoms so I hope that by sharing my story, I might encourage other people to get checked out.”
Test results showed Les had stage four bladder cancer and needed BCG treatment – originally developed as a tuberculosis vaccine but later developed into an immunotherapy cancer treatment with support from Cancer Research UK scientists.
“Initially doctors said they were going to take my bladder out, but they didn’t think I’d survive the operation,” explained Les. “Instead, I had BCG treatment which is based on the tuberculosis vaccine. I was really scared but, thanks to improvements in research and treatment, I’ve survived to tell the tale. That’s why I Race for Life.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Les, who has been taking part in Race for Life with Slimming World for 25 years, said the event was a good motivator to exercise and lose weight.
“I joined Slimming World and started to organise my own Race for Life walks locally each year,” said Les. “I lost a total of eight stone before my wedding but, during cancer treatment, I went back up to 20 stone.
“I was told I had to lose three stone before my hip surgery in 2019 which I did but, when I went for my second hip replacement, I was told to lose another four stone. I had the surgery privately instead but, two months later, I fell off a ladder and damaged the hip I’d just paid for.”
Les said he was forced to use a walking stick and scooter for 18 months before having repair surgery in June 2023.
“It’s been tough, but I feel like I’ve got my life back now,” added Les. “I used to organise my own Race for Life walking events because I didn’t live near a venue but taking part in the 10k Telford Race for the first time last year was brilliant. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was great to cross the finish line and get the medal.”
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Shropshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Les for his support, particularly after all he’s been through. His story is inspirational.
“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime** but Les’s story shows that all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“We’d love for as many people as possible across Telford and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone, and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone – a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.
Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.
“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org.
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