Emily Hyde, a 30-year-old mother from Kidderminster, lost her father John to advanced prostate cancer in June 2025. Diagnosed in 2024, John died just hours before Emily was scheduled to take part in a 72-hole golf fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK. She completed the challenge anyway, turning her grief into action that has already saved lives.
A Bond Forged on the Golf Course
Emily and her father were both keen golfers and members at Bewdley Pines Golf Club. She describes him as her constant supporter on the course, from her first round at age ten through county matches. "He made me feel safe and taught me so much," she said. His diagnosis came as a shock: "Being told your dad has cancer and probably won't get through it is heartbreaking. I never thought my dad of all people would get cancer, let alone die from it."
Fundraising Hours After His Death
John passed away on a Tuesday evening; the Big Golf Race was scheduled for the following day. Emily felt compelled to proceed: "He would have haunted me for life if I hadn't done it. We were raising money for such an important cause, and I knew he'd want me to carry on." The event became a form of therapy, surrounded by friends and family at the club.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting thousands of men annually. By 2036, an estimated 750,000 men will be living with the disease or side effects from treatment. Emily's fundraising and awareness efforts have already had a direct impact: "Losing Dad saved my uncle's life. He went to get checked, was diagnosed and is now going through treatment."
A Campaign to Save Lives
Emily has also shared her story in a Prostate Cancer UK film as part of the charity's campaign to empower men at every stage of their prostate cancer journey. Laura Kerby, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said: "Emily's story is a powerful and deeply moving reminder of the devastating impact prostate cancer can have on families. Facing Father's Day without her dad after losing him just hours before taking on such an incredible fundraising challenge speaks volumes about her strength and determination."
Kerby emphasized the critical need for earlier diagnosis: "Too many, like John, are diagnosed too late. Emily's story shows why earlier diagnosis is critical, and why conversations – on the golf course and beyond – can save lives." She added that the charity is grateful to Emily and the golfing community for their support.
Turning Grief into Action
Emily now encourages others to get checked and use golf as a setting for health discussions. "Golf is a great place for talking about your health. You spend hours on the course and in the clubhouse and men open up there in ways they might not at home." Since her father's death, she has realized how many people have been affected by prostate cancer. "Sadly, Dad was the one who didn't make it because he was diagnosed too late."
To join Emily and over 15,000 golfers taking on Prostate Cancer UK's Big Golf Race, visit biggolfrace.prostatecanceruk.org.
