Simon Faulkner was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 after PSA monitoring since his early forties, for possible testicular cancer which turned out to be prostatitis. His treatment journey has included Active Surveillance, nerve sparing RARP surgery 3 years ago and is currently undergoing hormone treatment and radiotherapy in 2023.

Since the start of his cancer journey, as a gay man, Simon became aware of inconsistencies of information, understanding treatment and its outcomes and support between general prostate cancer care and those experienced by LGBTQ+ people. In 2013, when Simon realised there was no current support in the southeast area of England or London, he found funding and a host (METRO Charity) to set up a group METRO Walnut and has spent the last 9 years organising, peer coordinating and facilitating a nationally accessible prostate cancer support group for LGBTQ+ people.

Simon is also passionate that all people with a prostate cancer diagnosis get access to appropriate support, and in both action and influence has worked to open the conversation around equality, diversity and inclusion at all opportunities. Simon is a committed advocate and activist and cancer patient representative.

He has worked and volunteered with Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer UK and GSTT NHS Foundation Trust, amongst others.