A Personal Story: Owen Neil
Facing challenges and finding purpose: Owen’s journey with prostate cancer and the power of the Shed
After receiving a life-changing diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer three years ago, Owen Neil (65) found strength through the support of Prostate Scotland and channelled his drive, determination and need for a positive focus into bringing a Men’s Shed to his town of Troon.
“I’ve always been a hands-on guy,” Owen says. “I worked as an engineer and tool maker before moving into management in the electronics industry. I was lucky enough to retire at 55, but I like keeping busy. The joy of retirement for me was getting to take my time with projects I had wanted to do for a very long time with no deadlines—it was just me and my tools.”
Out of the blue at age 62, Owen received devastating news when he was diagnosed with advanced, inoperable prostate cancer. “It hit hard. Especially as I had always been so healthy,” he says. “And then I was told it was life-limiting. It came just as the Covid pandemic began, making everything even more isolating.”
The news was as a complete shock to the entire family – Owen’s wife of 40+ years, Avril, their two daughters and their partners (Amanda, Kirsty, Russell and Martin) and four grandchildren Elia, Rosie, Oban and Ivy.
After months of tests delayed by lockdowns, Owen began palliative hormone therapy and intensive radiotherapy. While grateful for the chance at extending his life, the side effects took a toll. “The fatigue, the insomnia, the cold sweats—it was brutal. I felt like a shadow of my former self but I didn’t want to burden my family. I was struggling and felt so alone.”
Then came another big blow—psoriatic arthritis triggered after catching Covid near the end of his radiotherapy treatment leaving him in constant pain and almost immobile. “I was at my lowest point. My family were supportive, but they couldn’t grasp what I was going through and that made them feel helpless too.”
In late 2023, Owen’s urology team pointed him in the direction of two new Prostate Scotland support programmes: Living Well with Prostate Cancer and Prostate FFIT (Football Fans in Training) and these turned out to be game-changers.
The Living Well course that Owen attended ran for seven weeks at Ayrshire Cancer Support. “We tackled the real issues faced by men affected by prostate cancer—fatigue, urinary problems, the emotional side of treatment, side effects, relationships and erectile dysfunction, diet, and mental health. But the best part was being in a room with other blokes in the same situation – they understood. We laughed, we shared, and for the first time in two and a half years, I didn’t feel alone.”
Then came the Prostate FFIT programme at Rugby Park in Kilmarnock—13 weeks of group exercise, diet advice, and camaraderie. “I struggled at first with my mobility, but within five weeks,I started noticing massive improvements. I stuck with the exercises and dietary changes. By week seven, I was off the painkillers and moving better than I had in years. It was genuinely life-changing.”
Through both programmes, Owen not only regained physical strength but also built friendships and confidence. “I can’t recommend them enough. The support from Prostate Scotland, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Ayrshire Cancer Support, and the Killie Community Trust has been incredible. These programmes gave me my life back.”
With his energy returning, Owen saw a call for trustees for a proposed Men’s Shed in Troon. He didn’t hesitate. “Thanks to all the support I’d received, I was finally well enough to give something back. So up went my hand to volunteer at my first Shed meeting.”
A year on, Owen is now the Shed’s Vice-Chairman—and both he and the group are thriving. “I am still in a good position, enjoying and making the most of the remainder of my life and family which I adore, and engaging in new local community groups and activities – something I thought would never be possible again for me. My family see a huge change in me and I feel blessed to still be here.
“We’re building something really special here with Troon Men’s Shed. We may not have a physical building yet, but we’ve absolutely nailed the social side. Our fortnightly meetings at The Lighthouse Centre are full of chat, laughter and support. We’ve already got over 80 members.”
“Troon was one of the only towns on the West Coast of Scotland that didn’t have a Men’s Shed. We were missing out and had to get with the times and prioritise the health and wellbeing of the men in our community. The SMSA has been a great support at the end of the phone whenever we need it and SMSA Development Officer Stewart Beck has even came to my house to visit and offer his advice.”
Recently, the Troon Shedders took on their first big community project—helping fit out the newly refurbished £2.4 million Ayrshire Cancer Support Centre. “We painted, we built furniture, we hung the pictures—everything was done by volunteers. It felt brilliant to contribute and support others facing cancer. It was extremely therapeutic and rewarding for all of us.”
Now the group’s mission is to secure a permanent Shed home. “We’re in the middle of a Community Asset Transfer,” Owen says. “I will not lie; it is a tremendous amount of work trying to get a Men’s Shed up and running but we have begun this journey and are determined to see it through. We are all enjoying it and can already feel the benefits and see the changes in the men attending, many with a variety of health issues.
“Our sights—and our hearts—are set on the old, run-down football changing rooms in Hosiery Park, Troon. We’re currently working through the Community Asset Transfer process to make it the future home of our Shed.
“It’s a big job, but we’re up for the challenge and giving it our all. We’re doing this not just for ourselves, but for the men of Troon today—and tomorrow.”
Owen’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community. “I’ve got my life back in ways I never expected. I’m making the most of it with my family, my mates, and this incredible Shed. I feel lucky to still be here—and proud to be part of something that’s helping others along the way.”