Tony was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2008, just a week before his retirement.

He believes that an early diagnosis saved his life and allowed him to meet his four great-grandchildren.

This call to action comes as Cancer Research UK reported that over half of people in more deprived areas of Wales did not contact their GP regarding possible cancer symptoms.

The charity has launched a campaign called Spot Cancer Early to help people feel more confident in seeking medical help.

Mr. Gillard, a grandad-of-three and great grandad-of-four, noticed blood in his urine and thought it might be due to eating beetroot the night before.

He also had pain in his right side but ignored it.

His wife encouraged him to see a doctor, and an ultrasound revealed he had kidney cancer.

An MRI showed the cancer was contained to his kidney, and Mr. Gillard was relieved to learn that his cancer had not spread.

Mr. Gillard encourages anyone with similar symptoms to speak to their doctor right away.

A man named Mr. Gillard shared that he and his family were going on a holiday to Spain.

Before the trip, he received great news that his cancer surgery was successful, and he was now cancer-free.

This diagnosis served as a wake-up call for him, leading to a healthier lifestyle with a better diet, running, and weight loss of nearly five stone.

Last year, he completed Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, and this year, he signed up to participate in the event in May at Cardiff’s Bute Park with his son Michael to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Mr. Gillard expressed his gratitude for his newfound fitness and vitality more than 15 years after his diagnosis.