A MAN from Poole is fundraising for the hospital that gave him a ‘second chance at life’.

Michael Marsh has launched a Just Giving page to raise money for the urology department at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

The 76-year-old had undergone 11-and-a-half hours of robotic surgery at the hospital in September last year to remove a cancer from his bladder and prostate.

The surgery was described as ‘successful’ and ‘uneventful’ by surgeons and allowed Michael to make a full recovery.

His wife Berrin, who has been helping with the fundraiser, said: “We were given a second chance in life. Every day I wake up and I’m grateful for the NHS and the people that helped my husband to stay with us and our family.

Bournemouth Echo: Michael and BerrinMichael and Berrin (Image: NQ)

“We want to show our appreciation for the NHS, the hospital and the department.

“We are working with University Hospitals Dorset (UHD), and our Just Giving page is linked to them so the money goes directly to them directly.”

As well as raising funds, the couple are also desperate to promote cancer awareness in men, especially as Michael's diagnosis was very unexpected. 

Berrin said: “We want to raise money, and awareness. Men can be quiet when it comes to talking about health issues.

“Michael is a good example. He was healthy, and he had no other symptoms, and it still happened to him.

Bournemouth Echo: Michael and his family ahead of the surgeryMichael and his family ahead of the surgery (Image: Berrin Marsh)

“You have to be aware of things like testicular cancer, prostate cancer- these are really silent killers, and can quickly come out of nowhere.

“So, we want to raise money, and awareness.”

Michael and Berrin are also working with UHD ahead of their March for Men event in Bournemouth on Saturday, March 25.

The popular fundraiser is an opportunity for people to directly contribute funds to men’s health projects at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals.

Berrin said: “This won’t just be a one off thing. From now on we’ll be heavily involved with raising money and awareness.

"We’ll carry on doing this for as long as we’re alive.”

Donate to Michael and Berrin's fundraiser here.