HM Coastguard search and rescue officer Colin Tabor from Lymington becomes ambassador for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

A MEMBER of the Lymington coastguard has become an ambassador for a lung cancer charity after being diagnosed with the disease.

Colin Tabor (69), a search and rescue officer, said “alarm bells started ringing” after he was referred to Southampton General Hospital, having initially thought he was suffering with a trapped nerve.

Colin, who had been experiencing shoulder pain and shortness of breath, underwent physiotherapy but went to his GP after there was no improvement in his symptoms.

He explained: “I had an X-ray of my shoulder and chest, after which I was immediately referred to the thoracic department at Southampton General. That’s when the alarm bells started ringing.”

Colin went on to be diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer and underwent keyhole surgery.

He was discharged from hospital just two days later and did not need any further treatment.

Now recovered and back working for the Lymington coastguard, Colin is trying to save even more lives by becoming an ambassador for charity, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

“[The foundation] was of great help to me when I was diagnosed,” said Colin.

“It was a great source of information and provided me with some fantastic practical advice to help with my recovery.”

He added: “It’s for this reason that I applied to become one of the charity’s dedication ambassadors. I want to help raise awareness not only lung cancer, but also of the great work this charity does.

“It’s so important that everyone who is diagnosed with lung cancer gets the support they need and I’m in the very fortunate position now where I can help do that.”

Dedication ambassadors – named in tribute to the late entertainer Roy Castle – play a pivotal role within the organisation, which remains the only UK charity solely dedicated to supporting those affected by lung cancer.

From raising awareness of lung cancer and its many symptoms to providing peer support to those facing a diagnosis and helping shape patient information, ambassadors can significantly improve the lives of people affected by lung cancer.

Chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Paula Chadwick, explained: “Despite the staggering number of people it affects, lung cancer is not a cancer that is openly talked about. It is a highly stigmatised disease and plagued by dangerous misconceptions.

“But our dedication ambassadors are helping to change that by openly sharing their experiences and supporting others affected, and we are so grateful to Colin for joining the team.

“He has clearly made such a positive difference within his community through his role at the Lymington coastguard and now he may save even more lives in his role as a dedication ambassador.”

For lung cancer information, help and support as well as information about the ambassador programme, visit roycastle.org