Taxi driver hails passenger chat that saved his life amid cancer discovery
A Scottish taxi driver has credited one of his passengers with saving his life following a chance encounter that led to a cancer diagnosis.
Brian Kelly, 66, from East Ayrshire, picked up Prostate Cancer UK volunteer Tam Hewitt during the summer of 2024 for what would become a life-changing journey across Glasgow.
The 76-year-old passenger spoke to Mr Kelly about the dangers of prostate cancer, and urged him to consider getting tested.
That conversation prompted the taxi driver to visit his GP and request a PSA blood test, despite experiencing no symptoms whatsoever.
The results ultimately revealed he had stage two prostate cancer in two locations, with one proving to be aggressive.
Mr Kelly now credits Mr Hewitt entirely for his decision to seek medical advice.
During the journey, the volunteer discussed the risks associated with prostate cancer and emphasised how crucial it was for men to get checked.
Mr Kelly recalled his passenger's specific recommendation to ask for a PSA blood test, which can identify the disease.
When he approached his doctor about the test, the initial results raised concerns that warranted further investigation – with early detection meaning treatment could begin while the disease remained at stage two.
Mr Kelly underwent brachytherapy treatment in June 2025, timing the procedure just after his youngest daughter's graduation ceremony.
The early intervention proved successful, and he returned to driving his taxi within just seven days of the treatment, where he continues to feel fit and healthy months later.
The pair's reunion came about through pure coincidence in December 2025, when Mr Kelly's cab was dispatched to Mr Hewitt's home address.
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Mr Kelly recognised where he was heading, and after helping load materials into the vehicle, seized the opportunity to express his gratitude.
"I just shook his hand and said, 'By the way, I just want to thank you for saving my life,'" Mr Kelly told reporters.
During their conversation, Kelly learned Mr Hewitt had himself received brachytherapy for prostate cancer two decades earlier.
The driver has since taken up the mantle himself, initiating conversations about PSA testing with older passengers who climb into his cab.
"Anyone who gets into my car who's over a certain age, I have the conversation with them," he said.
Mr Hewitt, who is based in Glasgow, has dedicated more than two decades to raising awareness of prostate cancer through talks and pop-up stands at hospitals and other venues.
He currently organises more than 50 awareness events annually and said: "Results like this make it all worthwhile."
Joseph Woollcott, Prostate Cancer UK's head of health policy, described the story as demonstrating "the power of men talking and looking out for each other".
He noted one in eight men will develop prostate cancer but emphasised the disease is curable when caught early.
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