Family: The Centre of It All
Ever since having Casey in 2010 and Harvey in 2016, family time has been the most important thing to me.
As 2024 started, the year seemed off to a fantastic start – at least until May! January was focused on getting back into fitness and preparing to compete in the CrossFit Games during my 50th year. It also marked a fun milestone: cutting Harvey’s hair for the first time. Thankfully, he seemed pleased with my barber skills!
CrossFit Games: Fitness and Focus
The CrossFit Games kicked off in February. Thanks to the amazing preparation at my local gym, CrossFit HX5, I had never felt fitter or stronger. Each workout pushed limits and tested endurance.
By the time I reached the quarterfinals (17th–23rd April), the workouts became even more intense.
Despite the challenges, I pushed myself to the top 88th percentile – my best finish yet! It was an amazing achievement to earn my quarterfinal T-shirt. For anyone unsure about CrossFit, I can’t emphasise enough that it’s more than just slinging weights around. The sense of community and support is unmatched.
Adventures with Family and Friends
In February and March, we had some incredible family adventures, including a trip to Scarborough and our first ski holiday with the kids in Passo del Tonale, Italy. Skiing instead of snowboarding was a new experience, but the beautiful scenery made it a truly unforgettable break.
April brought a bittersweet moment for our daughter Casey. She was made captain of her football team, which was fantastic, but unfortunately, she broke her wrist during a match. Despite this setback, her spirit remained as strong as ever.
Milestones and Moments of May
May started with exciting outings, including a 3-car supercar experience at Elvington Airfield – a fantastic 50th birthday present from my dad. Later, I joined my team for the ChemUK event at the NEC. It was a busy but rewarding day, full of laughter and camaraderie.
At the end of the month, I tackled “Murph”, a notorious CrossFit workout involving a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 press-ups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run – all while wearing a weighted vest. The dreaded hill run at CrossFit HX5 didn’t disappoint in terms of pain, but the buzz of finishing was well worth it!
Following this, we enjoyed a well-deserved family day at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and in the heat of the moment, we even booked a summer holiday.
A Life-Changing Discovery
PSA Levels
On 28th May, I had my annual health check, which included a routine blood test to check my PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels. I had never given much thought to what PSA actually measured. When my results came back indicating elevated levels, I initially wasn’t too concerned. Exercise, particularly intense activities like Murph, can affect PSA readings, so I assumed this might explain the anomaly.
However, the doctors recommended a follow-up test, which I had on 3rd June. This time, the PSA level had risen slightly. That prompted a family discussion. My dad had experienced prostate issues, so I decided to research further. After turning to ChatGPT (a trusted work companion for me), I learned that a PSA level of 5.5 for a 50-year-old man is considered elevated.
Did I have prostate cancer?
While I didn’t have any symptoms, I decided to book an appointment with a specialist. The Yorkshire Clinic scheduled me for a consultation on 10th June. What followed was an experience I won’t forget – an uncomfortable but thorough prostate exam. The consultant found minor lumps and recommended an MRI scan to rule out anything serious.
Health Challenges and Resilience
A Stag Do for the Ages
On 15th June, I joined my brother and childhood friends for a stag do in Berlin. It was a hilarious and much-needed escape, filled with memories of watching the Euros in a vibrant fan park. Surrounded by friends I’ve known since childhood, it was a weekend of laughs, beer, and camaraderie – a trip that temporarily turned back the clock to our 20s.
Back to reality the following week, I was more mentally prepared to tackle the health challenges ahead.
MRI Results: A Turning Point
On 20th June, I returned to the Yorkshire Clinic for my MRI scan. The process was straightforward yet nerve-wracking. The staff explained that a muscle relaxant and dye would be used for clearer imaging. As I lay in the chamber, ear defenders on, I listened to live commentary of England playing Denmark in the Euros. Although the experience was surreal – especially the feeling of the dye coursing through my stomach – I kept calm and focused.
The results came in on 5th July during a follow-up consultation. Unfortunately, the news wasn’t reassuring. The MRI revealed areas of concern that required further investigation through a biopsy. This was a heavy blow, leaving me in a “what next?” kind of mindset.
Turning to Family for Strength
Amid these challenges, family time provided much-needed reprieve. On the weekend of 6th–7th July, we escaped to Llangollen, Wales, for some white-water rafting – a thrilling birthday gift from my brother. Staying at a cosy Airbnb, it was a wonderful chance to disconnect from worries and enjoy some first-time experiences in Wales.
Facing the Biopsy
Two biopsy options were presented to me, each with varying risks of infection. I chose the option with less than a 1% infection rate, which meant travelling to Bradford Royal Infirmary. The biopsy was scheduled for 17th July.
Before the procedure, I researched what to expect – a double-edged sword, as the reality seemed far from pleasant. The preparation was intense, and while the procedure itself was uncomfortable, the care and professionalism of the staff helped ease the experience. The doctors identified nine areas for sampling based on the MRI scan.
Uncertainty and Finding Balance
Biopsy Results and Reflection
On 17th July, I underwent the biopsy at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The procedure was uncomfortable but necessary, and I’m grateful to the urology team for their professionalism. The days that followed were a mix of hope and anxiety as we waited for the results.
Life doesn’t stop, and I kept pushing forward while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. The importance of family, friends, and community during this time cannot be overstated. They kept me grounded and gave me the strength to face the unknown.
Getting the All Clear: A Huge Milestone
In October, I received the incredible news that I had been given the all-clear! This was a huge milestone in my recovery journey. The announcement brought relief and joy to me, my family, friends, and colleagues, marking the culmination of months of perseverance and determination. I couldn’t wait to tell everyone the great news! While this is a significant victory, I’m still vigilant about my health and will undergo another PSA test in February 2025 to monitor my progress.
The Road to Recovery: One Step at a Time
While getting the all-clear in October felt like the finish line, in truth, it marked the beginning of a new chapter – one focused on recovery, rebuilding strength, and rediscovering normal life.
The first few weeks post-surgery were tough. Walking, laughing, even just sitting down took effort. A mixture of rest, pain management, and slow movement became the new routine. But with the support of Cathy and the kids (and a healthy dose of humour from Harvey’s Nerf gun battles), the days became brighter.
Milestones came in all shapes and sizes: removing the surgical staples, walking to the Shibden Mill Inn for coffee, cheering on Casey at football in my dry robe, or the first time I could drive again after five weeks. Each one felt like a step back toward freedom.
And then, there was the return to the gym.
I’ll never forget the day I walked back into CrossFit HX5. My legs were like jelly, my body still healing – but the welcome from the coaches and members was overwhelming. Just being there, chatting with familiar faces, reminded me what a special place it is. It’s more than a gym – it’s a community, and they made me feel like I’d never been away.
Finding Strength Through CrossFit
Sport and fitness have always been part of my life. From kicking a ball around the local rec to playing squash at county level, and later winning a racketball championship in my 30s, I’ve always had a competitive streak and a need to move. Even during the early years of building my business, I made time for the gym – when I could, anyway.
But discovering CrossFit in 2015 changed everything. It brought together everything I love: challenge, variety, community, and progress. When a friend mentioned a new gym – CrossFit HX5 – was opening just down the road from the office, I popped in for a session. That was over ten years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
From the beginning, HX5 felt different. It wasn’t just about workouts – it was about connection. I bumped into people I hadn’t seen since school, and before long, I’d built friendships that are still going strong. Everyone brings their own energy, and that shared spirit of encouragement and accountability is what keeps you coming back.
CrossFit helped me build not just physical resilience, but mental resilience too – something I never knew I’d need so deeply. The discipline, the mindset, the habit of showing up even when it’s tough – those things all came into play when my world shifted in 2024.
A Lifeline During a Health Crisis
When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the community at HX5 stepped in like a second family.
The support I received was beyond what I could have imagined. From the quiet “how are you really doing?” conversations before a session to the fist bumps, hugs, and messages of encouragement – it all added up. There was no awkwardness, no walking on eggshells. Just positivity, honesty, and the shared belief that I’d get through it.
Even when I couldn’t train, I was never disconnected. The messages, the check-ins, the banter on social media (often about my stylish compression socks!) – they reminded me that I was still part of something. Still seen. Still supported.
One of the biggest mental boosts came a couple of weeks post-surgery when someone offered to drive me to the gym just so I could be there for our in-house competition. I wasn’t lifting weights – I just sat and soaked in the energy. But being back in that environment reminded me of who I was, and what I was working toward.
From walking around Scammonden Dam with a friend to slowly pedalling 15,000 metres on the bike erg, each moment felt like a turning point. The day I joined in on a class workout again – no weights, just movement – was a major win. And eventually, I was back in a partner workout, lifting a barbell, moving alongside the people who’d stood by me every step of the way.
One Year On: Giving Back
As the one-year anniversary of my operation approached, conversations started in the gym about how we could mark the milestone – not just for me, but for something bigger.
What began as a few chats between coaches and members quickly evolved into a full-scale charity event for Prostate Cancer UK. Together, we formed a committee, planned the logistics, and started trialling Hero workouts to form the backbone of the challenge.
On 27th September, HX5 CrossFit will host a team-based event involving six Hero workouts and a marathon distance row. It will be brutal. It will be sweaty. And it will be absolutely worth it.
This isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about raising awareness for men’s health, supporting those going through their own battles, and showing how community, camaraderie, and compassion can move mountains.
HX5 didn’t just help me recover – they helped me feel human, hopeful, and whole. And now, together, we get to turn that support outward – to make a difference for others too.
Lessons Learned
Health and Resilience
The journey from the initial PSA test to the biopsy taught me invaluable lessons about health awareness and advocacy. Before this, I had little knowledge of PSA levels or their implications. Understanding the signs, seeking timely medical advice, and being proactive were critical.
To anyone reading this: never underestimate the importance of regular health checks. Whether it’s a PSA test or another form of preventive care, staying informed can make all the difference.
Staying Informed
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men but, as my situation shows, early detection and awareness can make a significant difference. If you’d like to learn more about prostate cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of regular health checks, here are some useful resources:
- Prostate Cancer UK: Comprehensive information on prostate cancer, including symptoms, treatments, and support services for patients and families.
- NHS Prostate Cancer Information: A reliable guide from the NHS on what to expect, diagnosis procedures, and treatment options.
I encourage everyone to stay informed and proactive about their health. Early diagnosis saves lives, so don’t hesitate to consult your GP if you have any concerns.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
The road ahead is always uncertain, but I am determined to move forward with resilience and positivity. My family, my fitness community, and work colleagues have supported and equipped me to face whatever comes next.
Health is wealth – invest in it, nurture it, and don’t take it for granted. Whether through exercise, regular check-ups, or quality time with loved ones, it’s about embracing life and making the most of every moment.
Final message
You know, when you’ve been through cancer, life changes.
Not just in the physical sense. Not just the pain, the surgeries, the recovery. But something shifts deep inside you. Perspective sharpens. Priorities realign. And you start asking yourself – what’s next?
For me, the answer was simple.
What’s next is getting stronger – mentally, and physically.
This journey taught me that true strength isn’t just measured in kilos on a barbell or how far you can run. It’s measured in how you face fear, how you hold it together for your family, how you smile when your body aches, and how you keep showing up – even when your confidence is on the floor.
What got me through wasn’t just willpower. It was the people around me. My wife, my kids, my family – they were my anchor. And beyond that, it was the community. Friends at work. Mates at the gym. That CrossFit crew who always reminded me: “You’ve got this.” Positive, driven people who lifted me up when I couldn’t lift myself.
If you’re facing your own storm – whatever it is – I want you to hear this:
Surround yourself with those who make you feel alive. The ones who back you. The ones who push you. Find your tribe and let them in.
Stay positive. Even on the dark days – especially on the dark days.
Because when you come through it, you don’t just bounce back. You rise stronger. Sharper. More resilient. With scars that tell a story of survival, not defeat.
This isn’t the end. This is the restart.
So, lace up. Pick up the pieces. And move forward – not just healed, but rebuilt.
Let’s live every day like we mean it. Strong. Grateful. Unstoppable.
Jamie Ashton
