Paul ‘Eddie’ Edwards: “I’m stronger than my diagnosis”

My story:

My name is Paul. I had a tumour on my right kidney, and the cancer had spread to my collarbone, windpipe, lungs, pelvis, lower vertebrae, and left hip. I had no symptoms to suggest kidney cancer – the only thing that alerted me was a sore collarbone. Then, almost overnight, an egg-sized lump appeared on it.

Statistics say that five years is the typical survival period for this diagnosis. However, I decided I am not a statistic. I plan to live much longer – if only to keep irritating my wife for more than five years!

From that moment on, I completely changed my lifestyle and became utterly focused on the war that lay ahead. Having served in the military for 36 years, I drew on the confidence, fortitude, and positive mental attitude I learned there to build a strategy for this new battle.

My strategy is:

• Positivity – I am always striving for the horizon, knowing that there are ditches that I will fall into on my way, but I must get myself up and keep moving forward.
• Diet – I radically changed my diet to complement the Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy to enable me to be as strong as I possibly can. I aim to be as healthy as possible so that all my body has to do is fight cancer.
• Medical – I attend all appointments and listen to medical advice, but I also challenge and question what I don’t understand or may not agree is the best for me.
• Focus – Be focused on all that I do and not cheat on diet or miss medication.
• Avoidance – Notice negativity and pull away from it, and keep positive. If I go into dark areas, I use my inner ‘Sergeant Major’ to shout at myself, which keeps me focused on being positive.
• Education – Educate myself and understand all options available and what I can do for myself to take on the fight, and where I can attack each battle in the best possible shape.

What have I done so far?

I’ve continued working and tried to keep my life as ‘normal’ as possible. This year, I finally went abroad for a holiday – something I hadn’t dared to do for two and a half years while undergoing therapy.

I decided to take control of my health by changing my diet. I adopted a new diet, cutting out sugar, carbs, processed foods (as much as possible), and alcohol. I do occasionally enjoy an alcohol-free beer when I’m out – everything in moderation – while making sure I stay within my daily carb allowance.

Before starting any treatment, I had to undergo an emergency hip replacement, which was extremely frustrating. It felt like I was already on the back foot in my ‘war against cancer’. But I took it on and battled through, focusing on rebuilding my hip strength over the first year with the support of a physiotherapist.

Two and a half years on, I’ve now completed 35 rounds of immunotherapy and have moved on to taking daily chemo tablets that specifically target my kidney cancer. Throughout those 35 rounds, I pushed myself physically and mentally – improving my diet, getting fitter through weight training, cycling, and running, and setting myself new challenges.

In 2025, I took on a 10km Tough Mudder, raising £10,000 for charity, and more recently, I completed a half-marathon. Each goal reminded me that I’m stronger than my diagnosis.

Over the past two and a half years of treatment, I’ve noticed real progress. The areas where the cancer had spread have now almost completely cleared, and the tumour on my kidney has shrunk to just 3cm. I’ve now been referred for surgery to remove what remains. I feel incredibly fit and optimistic about the future. I know I’ll likely live with cancer – but I’m confident I’ll surpass the five-year mark and keep going strong.

I’m a firm believer that no one fights this battle alone. You need a support team that truly understands you and helps you tackle each challenge. I couldn’t wish for a better one than mine – led by my wife, Jill, my absolute rock. She keeps me on track with my nutrition, 

prepares all my meals, and supports me in everything I do. My family and friends have been amazing too – especially when I announce another “crazy” challenge and they all end up joining in, even the grandkids!

My military connections have also been a huge source of strength. The support I’ve received from my military associations has been incredible, reminding me of what I once didn’t fully understand – that we really are family.

What’s next?

I’m keeping my sights set forward – training hard and preparing for my next big goal: an Ultra Marathon in July 2026!