As he raised a glass to mark his fortieth birthday surrounded by loved ones, Paul Souter attempted to maintain a cheerful facade, despite having just received devastating medical news. The Essex-based father of three had endured persistent lower back pain for months, initially attributing the discomfort to sporting injuries or the natural ageing process.
A Celebration Interrupted by Life-Changing News
Mr Souter, who enjoys an active lifestyle including golf and football, explained his initial approach to managing the pain. 'There were simply days when I couldn't function properly because my back hurt so intensely,' he recalled. 'I tried various remedies including acupuncture and sports massage, but eventually suffered a severe back spasm that left me unable to rise from the floor.'
This alarming incident prompted him to book a scan for proper investigation. While celebrating his milestone birthday with his wife Kerry and friends at London's Ivy Asia restaurant, he received the fateful telephone call about his scan results. 'We anticipated the call, so we retreated to a private room,' Mr Souter described. 'The doctor informed me that while my back showed normal wear and tear, something concerning had appeared on my kidney requiring immediate further investigation.'
The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis
Paul Souter, now 43 and working as a project director for a construction firm, received his formal kidney cancer diagnosis on March 2, 2022. The appointment remains largely a blur due to the overwhelming stress he experienced. 'Hearing the word cancer completely unprepared me,' he confessed. 'I essentially blacked out during that consultation. Fortunately, my wife was present to absorb all the medical information.'
The discovery revealed a two-centimetre tumour in his left kidney, which although slow-growing, required treatment consideration to prevent potential spread. Further investigation complicated matters when specialists discovered arteries wrapped around the growth. 'The specialist in Watford explained that attempting a partial nephrectomy risked severing these arteries, which could cause fatal bleeding within minutes,' Mr Souter revealed. This assessment led to the difficult decision to proceed with a total nephrectomy, removing his entire kidney.
Broader Context: Kidney Cancer in the UK
Mr Souter's diagnostic journey reflects a concerning pattern identified in Kidney Cancer UK's Patient Survey 2025. The research indicates that 54 percent of kidney cancer patients receive their diagnosis incidentally during scans for unrelated conditions, rather than through proactive investigation targeting specific symptoms.
Recent data from the charity reveals that one in five kidney cancer patients now receive their diagnosis at stage four, when five-year survival rates decline significantly. This troubling statistic stems from the disease's ability to progress while presenting minimal or no symptoms during early stages.
Kidney cancer currently ranks as Britain's sixth most common cancer, with approximately 14,000 new diagnoses annually. The disease claims about 4,700 lives each year, equating to roughly thirteen deaths daily across the United Kingdom.
Family Conversations and Surgical Journey
Among the most emotionally challenging aspects was informing his children, particularly his eldest son Jaiden, who was preparing for GCSE examinations at the time. 'We sat in the garden explaining that I required an operation but would definitely return home,' Mr Souter remembered. 'It was utterly heart-breaking. He understood the seriousness immediately. My younger children sensed something was amiss, but we simplified the situation, describing it as a minor hospital procedure.'
Less than eight weeks following his initial diagnosis, Mr Souter underwent kidney removal surgery on April 29. Despite concerns about elevated blood pressure during the procedure, he returned home within days. 'I deliberately avoided letting the children see me bedridden,' he explained. 'I positioned myself at the dining table when they returned from school, maintaining normal family routines. Remarkably, within an hour they seemed to forget I'd been hospitalised.'
Recovery Through Movement and Support
Walking combined with counselling formed crucial components of his rehabilitation process. 'Kidney Cancer UK provided exceptional counselling support,' Mr Souter acknowledged. 'Like many men, I initially resisted counselling, but it became one of the most beneficial decisions I've ever made. I would walk while speaking with my counsellor by telephone, transforming walking into therapeutic practice.'
His recovery journey progressed from walking around his house to garden circuits, gradually increasing distances over time. 'Being outdoors provided essential space for processing everything I'd experienced,' he reflected.
Fundraising as Physical and Emotional Milestone
Determined to support the charity that aided his recovery, Mr Souter completed an Ultra Challenges Winter Walk in London just nine months post-surgery, covering marathon distance. 'I needed to demonstrate my physical capabilities while raising funds,' he stated. The route began at The Oval Cricket Ground, spanning twenty-six miles and raising approximately £2,500 through supportive contributions.
This achievement carried profound emotional significance, marking the final occasion he saw his father before his passing shortly afterwards. 'Within a single year, I faced cancer diagnosis, kidney surgery, completed this walking challenge, and lost my father aged sixty-five,' Mr Souter shared.
Ongoing Processing and Future Challenges
Despite receiving the all-clear in spring 2025 and now requiring annual scans, the psychological impact persists. 'We continue processing this experience daily,' he admitted. 'Looking back remains surreal. Some days are mentally challenging, requiring conscious effort to redirect my thoughts.'
Since his initial fundraising walk, Mr Souter has completed four additional charity challenges and plans further endurance events. 'I aim to tackle The Three Peaks challenge and potentially a marathon when physically ready,' he revealed. 'These challenges provide positive focus and connection with others who have faced similar health battles.'
Key warning signs of kidney cancer include:
- Blood appearing in urine
- Persistent pain in your side, back or beneath the ribs
- Unexplained fatigue and weight reduction
- Noticeable lumps or swelling in your abdominal or flank region
- Continuous ache between your ribs and waistline
- Diminished appetite accompanied by high temperature
- Excessive sweating and general malaise
