Chatty Glasgow cab fare urged PSA test that found prostate cancer

Brian Kelly, 66, from East Ayrshire, was driving through Glasgow in summer 2024 when he picked up volunteer Tam Hewitt, who spoke to him about the risks of prostate cancer and the importance of getting checked.

Although he had no symptoms, Mr Kelly later took Mr Hewitt’s advice and visited his GP to request a PSA blood test.

Brian Kelly (left) shaking hands with Prostate Cancer UK volunteer Tam Hewitt in Glasgow. (Image: Jen Scott Photography/Prostate Cancer UK/PA Wire)

He said the conversation prompted him to take action.

Mr Kelly said: "I just shook his hand and said, 'by the way, I just want to thank you for saving my life.'

"I knew the address, I knew where Tam lived.

"Again, he had material that we wanted to take with him, we were putting it into the back of the car.

"Once we had done that, I then broke the news to him."

Though he had not met Mr Hewitt since, he later realised he recognised the address during another fare in December 2025 — it was Mr Hewitt’s home.

That day, he was finally able to tell him just how much that cab ride had meant.

The PSA test led to further examinations which revealed two sites of prostate cancer, one of which was aggressive.

He was diagnosed at stage two and began treatment, including brachytherapy, in June 2025 shortly after his youngest daughter’s graduation.

Mr Kelly was back at work within a week and remains in good health.

Mr Hewitt, 76, who lives in Glasgow, is a Prostate Cancer UK volunteer and regularly gives awareness talks.

The reunion came as a complete surprise.

He said: "Although it’s not the first time someone has thanked me for having the conversation that has led them choosing to get a PSA test and an early diagnosis, I was completely taken aback when Brian asked to shake my hand.

"If his treatment and journey works as well as mine, he will be delighted."

Mr Hewitt was treated for prostate cancer 20 years ago using the same procedure as Mr Kelly.

He said he regularly starts conversations about prostate health with older men.

Mr Hewitt said: "Anyone who gets into my car who’s over a certain age, I have the conversation with them.

"I just throw out, 'You’re of a certain age, have you had this PSA blood test?'"

He said he averages more than 50 awareness stands each year, in addition to talks and presentations.

He said seeing men benefit from his work makes it worthwhile.

His life was saved by one of his taxi passengers (Image: Jen Scott Photography/Prostate Cancer UK/PA Wire)

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

"I’m so grateful to all our incredibly dedicated volunteers like Tam, who have lifesaving conversations all the time.

"One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and your risk doubles if you’re Black, so most of us will know someone living with or after the disease.

"It’s curable if found early, but it’s also a complex disease that leaves many feeling confused about the right path to take.

"Men need people like Tam in their corner, and at Prostate Cancer UK we are here to help men at every step of their journey from diagnosis to treatment and with what comes next."