More Time with... Tony Collier
We've partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to raise funds for life-saving research with a limited edition 25th anniversary watch, and a series of interviews, More Time...
First up is Tony Collier, a passionate campaigner for better treatments for men with prostate cancer. He's a keen runner, and a loving grandfather who's currently living with terminal prostate cancer.
Has your diagnosis changed how you think about time?
When you’re told that you have terminal prostate cancer, time becomes a mystical, magical thing that you suddenly will not have as much of as you thought. I wish that I’d get to see all the things that I most likely won’t, and so I try to fill my life with joy while I can. I live for my family, particularly my grandchildren whom I adore. I think that that’s something we should all embrace. Live life to the full whilst you can and don’t wait for a dreadful diagnosis.
How do you feel when you’re doing the things you’re passionate about?
I’m still passionate about my running. It’s been a massive part of my life even though it’s so much tougher now. Every now and then, a runner’s high happens and you feel like you’re floating on air. I was a founder member of my running club and all my runs are with them. We’ve travelled the world together and we’ve become a great group of friends supporting each other.
"I try to fill my life with joy while I can. I live for my family, particularly my grandchildren whom I adore."
Tony ready to run, sporting his Prostate Cancer UK x Rotary watch.
Do you have a running role model?
There are many athletes who I admire greatly, but I think in the endurance running world I’ve always looked up to Paula Radcliffe. I’ve tried to match her steely determination to be the best I could.
Tell us about a related memory which was really special to you.
It’s impossible to separate my two very special running highlights. Completing the Boston marathon in 2013, the year of the bombings and completing the Comrades ultra-marathon, 56 miles and 6500 feet of climbing in the heat of South Africa!
Has your diagnosis affected your willingness to do the things you love?
Four plus years of hormone therapy means I have zero testosterone and therefore the thing I love doing most (apart from spending time with family and friends!), running, is so much harder due to fatigue, reduced muscle mass and increased weight. But it’s also a massive part of my survival strategy and I think staying fit and healthy is great for my physical and mental well-being, and will prolong my prognosis. If I believe that, then that’s all that matters!
ROTARY WATCHES X PROSTATE CANCER UK LIMITED EDITION WATCH![]()
Rotary has proudly designed a limited edition chronograph timepiece in celebration of Prostate Cancer UK’s 25 years of progress. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, Rotary Watches will pledge 10% + VAT from the sale of every 1IN8 watch to Prostate Cancer UK.
Help give men more time with those they love.
