A Bradford cancer survivor has donated a painting to the hospital that helped save his life.
Nigel Firth, a former full-time carer, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2022. He has been drawing and taking photographs for as long as he can remember.
The 59-year-old from Low Moor, recently donated a painting called ‘Hope’ to Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as a heartfelt thank you to the NHS teams who cared for him throughout his cancer journey.
Nigel said: “I’m delighted that the artwork will be displayed at BRI as a symbol of resilience, optimism and gratitude.
“If it brings a smile to people’s faces, I will be very happy. My aim was for people to look at the picture and smile when they are being treated – it signifies ‘hope’ that there will be brighter days ahead.”
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2022, Nigel underwent robotic surgery at BRI when his prostate was removed using the da Vinci robot, which allows cutting-edge treatment for his condition.
Following surveillance and a rise in his PSA levels1, he later received radiotherapy treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Reflecting on his own experience of living with cancer, he said regular blood monitoring remains a part of his life and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many cancer patients.
He added: “I’d appeal to other men to go and get checked if they have any concerns or worries about their prostate as it’s never too early or too late to see your GP! So please take care and look after yourselves.
“I’d also like to say thank you to the doctors and nurses who treated me. You are remarkable people, doing a remarkable job.”
Nigel explained how art and creativity have been his ‘lifelong passions’. He credited his sisters with inspiring his artistic interests and paid tribute to his late parents, particularly his mother, Ann Firth, who cared for his father during his own battle with incurable prostate cancer. Nigel remembered his father, Jack, for his humour and resilience in the face of illness.
Nigel also has strong family ties to the Trust as his late mother worked as a maternity nurse in roles at St Luke’s Hospital and the BRI for over two decades, as well as serving as a district nurse.
Surgical Matron, Joanne Taylor, said: “Nigel’s painting has been received with gratitude by colleagues here at the Trust and will serve as a reminder of the strength shown by patients facing cancer treatment and the lasting impact of compassionate care.”
While Consultant Urology Surgeon, Chidi Molokwu, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Nigel for donating this heart-warming painting. As someone who has experienced cancer treatment himself, the message behind the artwork carries special meaning. We hope ‘Hope’ will provide reassurance to those visiting the hospital, reminding them that they are not alone and that brighter days lie ahead.”
1.PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, which is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A PSA blood test measures the amount of this protein in the bloodstream to help check for prostate conditions.
It’s normal to have a low level of PSA in your blood. A high PSA level may be caused by a variety of conditions, including prostate cancer, so it’s important to have further tests.