Feargal Sharkey, 65, reveals shock prostate cancer diagnosis after he visited GP with a sore throat
Feargal Sharkey has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer after a routine visit to the doctor for a sore throat.
The 66-year-old Water campaigner is now 'doing very well' and has vowed to 'continue the fight' for clean rivers following the health scare that was 'resolved' a year ago.
For the first time, the Undertones frontman has shared his experience publicly, hoping to motivate other men to undergo cancer screenings.
He revealed that around a year and a half ago, he went to see his GP for a sore throat.
Knowing him well, the doctor insisted on running a full set of tests, noting Feargal's age and sensing something more serious might be going on.
Speaking to the Express, he said: 'Two days later, it turns out, I began a journey which led to the [diagnosis] of prostate cancer.
'Thankfully, that's all now been resolved a year ago.
'But here we are, had it not been for that random visit to my local GP, I would never have known that I was at that point carrying prostate cancer, and if it had not been seen to, it could have been a very different ending and a very different outcome to my life.'
The 66-year-old Water campaigner is now 'doing very well' and has vowed to 'continue the fight' for clean rivers following the health scare that was 'resolved' a year ago
He explained the reason he is happy to talk about it now is because he has a chance to raise awareness and appeal to men.
'The reason I'm very happy to talk about it is because if there's one man out there over the age of 45 go and see your GP. Go and get the blood test done.'
He made a direct appeal to men to get 'have the blood test', saying that 'if you're lucky, you'll walk away'.
The Irish singer has been vocal against water companies, blaming their 'greed, profiteering, financial engineering and regulatory incompetence'.
Last August, a map from water company United Utilities, which supplies wastewater services across the northwest of England, showed that storm overflows at two water treatment plants were dumping untreated raw sewage.
One is an outfall at Near Sawrey sewage works into Cunsey Beck, which flows into Lake Windermere - England's largest lake. The other is at Hawkshead Pumping Station, which also goes to Windermere.
Operators of the plants, United Utilities, said that the spills were due to 'heavy rainfall' in the area, pointing out that there were weather warnings in place for the area and rainfall over 40mm between August 21 and 27.
Storm overflows are an emergency relief valve for the water network, which spills sewage into seas and rivers when there is heavy rainfall to stop it from backing up into homes.
But there is mounting evidence that suggests spills are happening when there is no heavy rainfa,ll and they do not absolutely need to.
Campaigners do not believe water firms' claims that heavy rainfall is the reason for the excessive sewage dumping and instead say the blame is on a lack of investment.
Former Undertones singer turned campaigner, Feargal Sharkey, said: 'Sewage dumping has nothing whatsoever to do with heavy rain.
'It is caused by greed, profiteering, financial engineering and regulatory incompetence.
'Fix those and you fix the sewage scandal.'
In an interview on BBC Radio 4 Today, the 66-year-old was asked if the personal criminal liability for water bosses and the banning of bonuses for water bosses in the new water bill would address the issue.
In response, he said: 'Whitehall has no monopoly in any of this by any means. Welsh Water, for example, is actually the largest sewage dumper in the United Kingdom. Scotland has any number of rivers in bad ecological condition.
'Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland has been poisoned to the extent that it too now turns green, like Windermere.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
NHS ‘to rely on migrants' as Government cuts British nurse training
The Government has cut funding for nursing courses in a move that risks undermining its pledge to end the NHS's reliance on foreign workers. Ministers have quietly frozen grants that are paid to universities to help them cover the higher costs of training medical workers. Critics reacted by warning that the move, which represents a real-terms cut, would ' worsen an already difficult situatio n' in the sector and 'leave us more reliant' on imported labour. It will also prompt fears of further cuts down the line, with education set to be one of the losers in Rachel Reeves's spending review this week. Universities are already struggling to keep nursing courses afloat, with research showing that many are cutting lecturer jobs to save cash. In last year's manifesto, Labour pledged to 'end the long-term reliance on overseas workers' with a 'workforce and training plan' for the NHS. However, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has now frozen grants which are paid to universities to cover the extra costs of running medical courses. Those include courses for nursing, midwifery and 'allied health professionals' such as paramedics, radiographers and occupational therapists. In a letter to the Office for Students, she said the per-student funding levels should be kept the same as last year, representing a real-terms cut. That is part of an overall reduction of £108 million in the cash that has been made available for the Strategic Priorities Grant this year. Patricia Marquis, the executive director for the Royal College of Nursing in England, said nursing courses were already under threat from the 'financial crisis' at universities. 'A freeze in per student funding, effectively a real-terms cut, could make a bad situation worse, resulting in not only more job losses, but impacting the very financial viability of nursing courses,' she warned. 'University courses are the single biggest route into the profession, and this would be a disaster. Additional funding should be released to protect nursing courses in response to rising costs.' 'A detrimental impact' on training Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK, also warned that the cuts to the grant risked 'worsening an already difficult situation'. She said that the move, combined with a recent decision to slash cash for apprenticeships, would have a 'detrimental impact on training our healthcare workforce'. 'Universities are committed to delivering what this country needs, including a strong and sustainable NHS workforce, and are crucial to training talent,' she said. 'We can't create a future-proof NHS workforce without long-term, sustained investment from the government.' Ms Phillipson said in her letter to the OfS that universities should prioritise funding for nursing courses as 'a strategically important subject'. She targeted grants for other courses and in particular media studies and journalism, which have been derided by some as 'Mickey Mouse' degrees. But despite that, it appears there was still only enough money in the pot for her to restrict the hit to medical courses to a real-terms cut. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, said the move was 'yet more evidence that Labour aren't serious about cutting immigration'. 'At a time when we should be training more British people to become nurses, they've cut teaching grants for universities and scrapped almost all higher-level apprenticeships, leaving an 11,000 shortfall in the NHS workforce plan,' she said. 'These decisions will leave us more reliant on foreign labour, when we should be training British people for British jobs.' The Department for Education is facing steep real-terms cuts to its budget when the Chancellor unveils her spending review on Wednesday. She will set out the annual funding totals that all Whitehall departments receive from next year until almost the end of the decade. Most are expecting to see their budgets squeezed to free up more cash for health and defence, which will be the two big winners. Within education, the schools budget is ring-fenced, meaning it cannot be cut. Early years provision, meanwhile, is a flagship Labour policy with the party pledging to fund the creation of 100,000 new nursery places. A Government spokesman said: 'We hugely value the work of talented nurses and midwives which is why we have prioritised Strategic Priorities Grant funding for important, high-cost courses, including nursing and midwifery, that are vital for economic growth and our Plan for Change. 'The dire situation we inherited has meant this Government must take tough decisions to put universities on a firmer financial footing and we're continuing to support them, including by increasing the amount they can charge in tuition fees. 'We are rebuilding the NHS for the benefit of patient and staff, and ensuring nursing remains an attractive career choice, including by unveiling a refreshed workforce plan to ensure we have the right staff in the right place so the NHS can be there for everyone.'
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Girl told lumps in breasts were likely hormonal dies after cancer diagnosis
Isla Sneddon, a 17-year-old, died of breast cancer after an urgent referral was downgraded due to her age, despite initial concerns and painful lumps. In 2022, at age 14, Isla was told her breast lumps were likely hormonal; when she returned in 2024 at age 16, an urgent referral was downgraded in line with national guidelines that treat patients under 30 with suspected cancer as routine. Her family is advocating for a review of urgent cancer referrals, arguing that earlier, more aggressive treatment, similar to that of adults, might have saved her life. After the downgraded referral, a biopsy revealed a likely benign tumor, but Isla's condition deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of sarcoma, which had spread from her breast to her heart, lungs, and lymph nodes. Isla's family is calling on the Scottish government and NHS Scotland to ensure paediatric referrals have the same maximum wait times as adults, with follow-ups for downgraded or delayed referrals, and clearer guidelines for recognising cancer signs in young adults and children.
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
The six signs you're not drinking enough water
When did you last have a decent drink of water? We all know we should down more H₂O, yet the average Briton sips less than half the recommended six to eight glasses a day, shows recent research by PureGym. This doesn't just leave us feeling parched, it can put us at risk of dehydration and long-term health issues. ' Water is essential for life and plays a vital role in nearly every body process,' says Stavros A. Kavouras, a professor of nutrition and director of the Hydration Science Lab at Arizona State University. 'It helps regulate your temperature, transport nutrients, remove waste and lubricate your joints. Proper hydration aids digestion, supports kidney and heart health, and enhances physical performance.' The human body is around 60 per cent water, but we constantly lose fluid – about 2 to 2.5 litres a day – through our sweat, urine, stools and breath. Replacing that fluid regularly is crucial. 'Many of us are mildly dehydrated or 'under-hydrated' without realising it,' says Prof Kavouras. 'This can subtly, yet significantly, impact how we feel and function. More importantly, it's linked to chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and dementia, which in turn means a reduced life expectancy.' In hot weather, dehydration can escalate quickly, potentially leading to collapse or even death. The risk rises if you're older, taking multiple medications or have sickness and diarrhoea. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for A&E admissions in the elderly. Here are the telltale symptoms to watch out for: 1. You're thirsty Feeling parched? You're already mildly dehydrated. ' Thirst is the first stage of dehydration,' says Dileep Lobo, a professor of gastrointestinal surgery at University of Nottingham, who researches fluid and electrolyte balance. 'Once you've lost two per cent of your body weight in fluid (1.4 litres for a 70kg person), it triggers receptors in the brain which make you feel thirsty. Mild dehydration can happen easily if you're out in the sun or working in a warm office and not drinking much. You lose quite a lot of water through your sweat, especially if you're not acclimatised.' At this point, dehydration is easily reversed by drinking fluids. 'If you replace the water you've lost, you'll feel better immediately,' says Prof Lobo. 'The fluid enters your bloodstream and corrects the imbalance.' Our sense of thirst declines with age, so sip water throughout the day. urine is darker Check the colour of your urine. If it's honey coloured, you need to drink more. If it's darker brown, you may be seriously dehydrated. 'Once thirst occurs, your body starts holding on to water,' explains Prof Lobo. 'Your kidneys send less water to the bladder, making your urine more concentrated.' This is a major risk factor for kidney stones. 'If you don't drink enough, your kidneys have to work really hard and this raises your risk of certain diseases, including urinary tract infections, especially if you're a woman,' adds Dr Lewis James, a reader in human nutrition at Loughborough University. Kidney function declines with age, making dehydration more likely, so keep an eye on your urine output. Ideally, you'll be passing urine about seven times a day, and it should be transparent yellow. 3. You've got brain fog The brain is 73 per cent water so your brain cells can struggle to function once you're dehydrated. 'Even a low level of dehydration can reduce cognitive skills such as memory, attention and motor coordination,' says Dr James. 'This may affect your performance whether you're working in an office, driving your car or deciding if it's safe to cross the road.' A study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found 45 per cent of doctors and nurses were dehydrated by the end of their shifts, and their short-term memory was impaired. Just drinking a 300ml glass of water has been shown to improve memory recall. As dehydration progresses, you can become confused and disorientated. 4. Headaches Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. As fluid leaves your brain, it can put pressure on the pain receptors and nerves in the brain's lining. The pain can worsen when you bend and turn your head or move around. Most dehydration headaches improve within an hour or two, once you've rehydrated and rested. Stay out of the sun and try putting a cool compress on your forehead. A dehydration headache can turn into migraine, so try to drink fluids even if you feel nauseous – small sips are best. 'Drinking enough water can help reduce risk of a migraine attack through dehydration,' says Pippa Coulter, health information manager for The Migraine Trust. A study in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience found migraine pain, duration and frequency was significantly lower in patients who drank more water. 5. You're tired and listless Dehydration is behind one in ten GP consultations for fatigue, according to a study of 300 GPs by the Natural Source Water Association. Regularly sipping water keeps your body and brain energised, especially if you're active. During hot weather, you can lose 1.5 to 2 litres of water an hour through sweat whether you're hiking or playing a round of golf. 'If you don't replace these fluids, your blood thickens, and your heart has to work harder to maintain your blood pressure and oxygen levels,' warns Prof Lobo. As we age, dehydration can make daily life exhausting. 'An 80-year-old who weighs 40kg (88 lb) and loses bodyweight through fluids is more likely to feel the effects,' says Prof Lobo. ' Our research shows that older adults, admitted to hospital with dehydration, stay in for longer and have a 6 per cent higher mortality rate.' 6. You feel dizzy and faint 'Once you've lost four per cent of your bodyweight in fluid, sweating becomes difficult and your temperature rises, putting you at risk of overheating,' says Prof Lobo. 'Blood pressure drops, and you can become dizzy or faint.' This is 'moderate dehydration' and you should seek medical advice. Oral electrolyte solutions can help but sometimes an IV drip is needed. Without treatment, dehydration can progress to 'severe' (a 7 per cent loss of bodyweight) within 24 hours. It's now a medical emergency. 'The body reduces blood flow to non-vital organs, like your kidneys,' says Prof Lobo. 'Cellular waste builds up, organ damage can occur and, without intervention, you may eventually suffer seizures or collapse.' Multi-organ failure, coma and even death can follow. Hot weather can accelerate the process, so always carry water and seek shade if you feel tired or light-headed. FAQs How much water should I drink a day? 'Your body needs around two litres of fluid a day,' says Johanna Hignett, consultant nutritionist. 'Some of that comes from food, such as fruit and vegetables, so aim to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water (about six to eight 250 ml glasses). If you're very active or it's hot, your fluid needs rise.' Tea and coffee do count. 'The diuretic effect of the caffeine is offset by the fluid content – research shows up to four cups of coffee (400mg caffeine) a day is ok,' says Hignett. 'Milk counts too – it's over 80 per cent water – as does fruit juice, but plain water is best because it's absorbed directly and contains no calories or sugar.' Is it better to drink cold or room temperature water? 'It doesn't matter what temperature your drinking water is,' says Hignett. 'It warms up in your stomach to body temperature.' Drinking warm or hot water is said to aid digestion and circulation. Chilled water feels refreshing so may quench your thirst and cool you more in summer. Is tap water safe to drink? UK tap water is some of the safest in the world. It must meet standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the latest report (2023) shows a quality rating of 99.97 per cent. 'The taste of tap water depends on where you live,' says Hignett. 'If you're not keen on it, try flavouring it with fresh herbs or fruit slices, or try natural source waters, like mineral or spring water.' Should I drink water before, after or during exercise? 'If you're exercising for up to an hour, you can be guided by thirst,' says Dr James. 'Ensure you're hydrated before you start, then a drink afterwards may be sufficient.' For longer sessions, you may need to top up with water or a sports drink while you exercise. 'You can calculate your fluid losses by weighing yourself before and after your session,' says Dr James. 'If you've lost half a kilo and drunk half a litre during your workout, you've lost about a litre of sweat, so aim to replace that fluid over the day, on top of what you'd normally drink.' Is it possible to drink too much water? 'It's rare, but it can happen,' says Hignett. 'If you drink large amounts in a short time, your cells become too dilute (hyponatremia) meaning essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium, can't perform their functions. Your kidneys struggle, your cells swell and you can get confusion, cramps, vomiting, seizures and, in extreme cases, coma or death. This is why it's important to drink little and often.' Our kidneys can process about a litre of water an hour, so avoid exceeding that. When's the best time to drink water? 'Drinking little and often keeps your fluid levels steady, rather than the balance going one way, then the other,' says Hignett. 'Waiting until you're thirsty, then drinking lots of water, makes your body think it's well hydrated, so it excretes more. This happens when you have a cup of tea before bed, then wake up in the night needing the bathroom.' Don't avoid drinking for fear of needing the loo – concentrated urine aggravates the bladder, exacerbating the problem. 'Just drink regularly so your body gets used to it,' says Hignett. Research shows that drinking 500ml water before a meal can aid weight loss by preventing overeating. It's also thought to help digestion. Can food count towards your fluid intake? 'Up to a third of the water we consume comes from food,' says Prof Lobo. Fruit and vegetables are good sources of water, as are soups, stews and porridge cooked with milk or water. Cucumbers, tomatoes and broccoli are over 90% water. 'Look for squishy fruits, such as melon and strawberries,' says Hignett. 'Anything that doesn't freeze well will have a high-water content.' Does alcohol cause dehydration? Although alcohol contains water, it's a diuretic, making you need the loo more and so you'll lose extra fluid. 'If you want an alcoholic drink, a spritz is a sensible choice,' says Hignett. 'Adding sparkling water can help hydrate you, and it means you'll drink a bit less alcohol, fewer calories and less sugar. Beer with less than four per cent alcohol can hydrate you, but I don't recommend it! Try to alternate each alcoholic drink with water.' Can medication cause dehydration? 'Some antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like Prozac) and weight-loss drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic) can suppress thirst, potentially increasing risk of dehydration,' says Professor Kavouras.
