Posted on the 26th May 2026 in PHTM News

CHANCE TAXI REUNION ALLOWS GLASGOW DRIVER TO THANK PASSENGER WHO SAVED HIS LIFE FROM PROSTATE CANCER

A Glasgow taxi driver has been reunited by total coincidence with a passenger whose casual advice saved his life from aggressive prostate cancer.

During the summer of 2024, driver Brian Kelly, 66, picked up Tam Hewitt, a 76-year-old volunteer for Prostate Cancer UK.

During the journey, Mr Hewitt spoke about the importance of getting checked for the disease.

Despite having no symptoms, Mr Kelly felt compelled by the chat to visit his GP and request a PSA blood test. The test led to the discovery of two cancerous sites, one of which was aggressive.

Because it was caught early at stage two, Mr Kelly underwent successful brachytherapy treatment in June 2025 and was back at work within a week.

He credited the volunteer for his survival, but it wasn't until December 2025 that fate brought them together again when Mr Kelly was randomly dispatched to pick up a fare at Mr Hewitt's house.

After loading the car, the driver finally got to share his news. "I just shook his hand and said ‘by the way, I just want to thank you for saving my life’," Mr Kelly said.

During their reunion, he discovered that Mr Hewitt had actually undergone the exact same treatment 20 years prior.

The life-changing experience has transformed the driver's own daily routine. "Anyone who gets into my car who’s over a certain age, I have the conversation with them," Mr Kelly said. "I just throw out, ‘You’re of a certain age, have you had this PSA blood test?’"

Mr Hewitt, who hosts dozens of awareness stands and talks every year, admitted he was completely taken aback when Brian asked to shake his hand. "Results like this make it all worthwhile," he said.

Joseph Woollcott, head of health policy at Prostate Cancer UK, praised the encounter, stating: "Brian and Tam’s story is wonderful, and it shows the power of men talking and looking out for each other."

He reminded the public that one in eight men will get prostate cancer, adding: "It’s curable if found early, but it’s also a complex disease... Men need people like Tam in their corner."


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