A Pompey fan has praised the club for ensuring he received an early prostate cancer diagnosis.
John O’Shea is thankfully now recovering from the disease after attending a free testing event at Fratton Park.
Forty per cent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, which can negatively impact survival rates.
But the Pompey Lottery teamed up with The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal to host a PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing event last year.
John was one of many Blues supporters to attend the Victory Lounge event – and was glad that he took up the opportunity.
He said: “I had no symptoms whatsoever, but just went along as it was being offered. From there, it was the doctors, then QA and they confirmed I had it following a biopsy.
“I had daily radiotherapy for 20 sessions alongside hormone injections every three months. The hormone treatment was shortened and is now completed – and I’m feeling great.
"I could be sitting here now with the cancer growing aside and no symptoms, then find out it was too late."
“I’m getting my life back to normal and had cruises and theatre trips booked, although then we had the lockdown and everything was cancelled. Still on the bright side, I am here and thank Fratton Park for that!
“I could be sitting here now with the cancer growing aside and no symptoms, then find out it was too late.
“Men are a bit reluctant to get checked out, but I tell everybody I meet to just take the PSA test for peace of mind.
“I recall picking up the leaflet at a lottery function and entering it in my diary. I guess you could say that the Pompey Lottery helps save lives!”
Blues chief executive Mark Catlin added: “It’s fantastic news that John is now recovering and I’m delighted that the testing event has had such a positive impact.
“As a club we do many wonderful things, but nothing tops being a part of something that is directly responsible for actually saving a person’s life.”
Fans can become a Pompey Lottery member to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, as well as helping to support the club’s academy.
You can also support The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal as part of your subscription. Simply put BKPCA in the promo code box when signing-up here.