12/08/2025
A kind-hearted Glossop resident has teamed up with a determined man living with advanced Stage 4 prostate cancer, helping him in his mission to raise awareness and £100,000 for charity.
While shopping in Hadfield, Vanessa Manso spotted Neil Foulis walking his dog Rafferty - a sight hard to miss, not least because of Rafferty’s size and his comical habit of standing on his back legs, front paws wrapped around Neil’s waist, when crossing the road.
Intrigued, Vanessa stopped to say hello and take their photo. Later that day, after sharing the picture on social media, she learned that Neil’s walks were part of a remarkable campaign following his diagnosis last November. She immediately pledged to help, enlisting the support of her lifelong friend, Lorna Skelly.
Neil’s prostate cancer journey began when his wife, Melanie, urged him to see a doctor after months of getting up multiple times a night to urinate. Initially, tests showed no issues, but when symptoms persisted, a further check confirmed the cancer.
“I’d been fit and healthy my whole life,” said Neil. “I’d never taken medication - not even a paracetamol.”
The diagnosis was a shock, but Neil chose to remain positive. Determined to make a difference, he set himself two goals: to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and to generate funds for research and charities supporting those with the disease.
Inspired by fellow prostate cancer sufferer Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who is undertaking a fundraising cycling challenge, Neil created his own version, swapping wheels for walking shoes, always with Rafferty by his side. “I’m not a cyclist,” he explained. “But I am a dog owner, and I aim to keep walking Rafferty for as long as I can, keeping life as normal as possible.”
Neil is raising money for the same charities as Sir Chris - Macmillan Cancer Support, The Christie and Cancer Research UK - and will also donate to Dogs Trust in memory of Quinn, his beloved Weimaraner–Labrador cross who passed away recently during a morning walk.
“Dogs bring unconditional love and sensitivity during difficult times,” Neil said. “Quinn gave me so much joy, and I want to honour the role dogs play in our lives and the emotional support they provide.”
Although not a natural fundraiser, Neil launched a GoFundMe page to share his story and encourage others to get sponsored for walking their own dogs.
To boost his campaign, Vanessa and Lorna devised a dog-themed awareness drive. “We had t-shirts printed with Neil and Rafferty on them, wore dog ears and along with Rafferty and Lorna’s poodle Cookie, visited local businesses asking for donations via a QR code” said Vanessa.
The group received a warm reception from the community, with donations from The Pizza Place, Edward’s Wine Bar, The Palentine, Billy’s Plaice and D&D Newsagents in Hadfield, plus The Star, Howard’s Arms, Norfolk Arms, Prince of Wales and The Pico Lounge in Glossop.
“We want to thank them all for their time, interest, and generosity - it’s wonderful to see so much community spirit” Vanessa said.
Neil has been incredibly touched by the kindness of strangers: “Within moments of meeting Vanessa, her partner Mark and Lorna, I felt like I’d known them forever. Mark is now even helping me with social media so I can keep up the fundraising momentum. I am so grateful.”
Neil also reached out to Buckingham Palace to share his campaign and was thrilled to receive a reply wishing him well on behalf of King Charles, who is living with the same condition.
Sharing a health update, Neil said: “Surgery and traditional treatments have been ruled out for me, but I’m on two hormone treatments and supportive medication that allow me to function fairly normally. My focus is on ensuring others get an earlier diagnosis than I did, so they have the chance to treat and remove the cancer at source.
“I want to speed up progress in beating this cancer, particularly for the next generation, and leave a tangible legacy. I’m nearly at £1,000, but my next target is £7,000. Please help me get there by sharing my story.”
Supported by his loving family, Neil continues to show remarkable resilience through his physical and emotional challenges. You can support his mission here: https://gofund.me/e28cad59
