An 80-year-old patient has credited “staying active” with helping to boost his urology care, as part of Urology Awareness Month.

David Evans has been supported by the Urology Team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust for a number of years.

The now retired carpenter was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2011 and received treatment and follow-up care before being discharged in 2018.

David also has a history of urinary retention and urethral stricture and requires a long-term catheter.

Since 2018, he has been supported by Sally Swaine, Urology Assistant Practitioner, who carries out his regular catheter changes at Walsall Manor Hospital.

David said: “Once I am at the Manor, I have never had any issues. I have been coming here for a long time and the care I receive has always been really good.”

Alongside managing his urological conditions, David was also diagnosed with diabetes, but he has remained determined to continue doing something he has enjoyed throughout his life, walking.

David still walks around a mile-and-a-half each day and says it gives him the motivation to get up and out of the house every morning.

He added: “I have always been a keen walker and even to this day I still do around a mile-and-a-half every day.

“It gets me up and out in the morning and gives me something to focus on. I think it is important to keep yourself moving if you can.

“My advice to anyone else going through something similar would be to try and stay active. You don’t have to do a lot, but getting out and doing something can really help.”

Sally Swaine, Urology Assistant Practitioner at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I have supported David with his catheter care for a number of years and it is always lovely to see him.

“He has a really positive attitude and his determination to remain active is fantastic. David is a great example of continuing to do the things you enjoy while managing a long-term condition.”