In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, Paul Souter, an active father of three, received a life-altering kidney cancer diagnosis while celebrating his 40th birthday. What began as nagging back pain evolved into a harrowing journey of resilience and hope, highlighting the importance of awareness around kidney health.
A Painful Revelation
Paul, now 43, was enjoying a festive evening at the Ivy Asia in London with his wife, Kerry, and friends when he received a phone call that would change everything. After experiencing persistent lower back pain, he had sought relief through acupuncture and sports massages. However, a sudden, debilitating spasm forced him to seek medical advice.
“I love playing golf and football, but there were days when the pain kept me from doing anything,” Paul recalled. “After the spasm, I knew I needed to get it checked out.” His decision led him to a scan, where a doctor noted that while his back was merely suffering from wear and tear, something unsettling appeared on his kidney.
“The doctor said, ‘Your back looks okay, but we see something on your kidney that doesn’t look right,’” Paul shared. This ominous news cast a shadow over his birthday celebrations, as he and Kerry were left to grapple with uncertainty.
The Shocking Diagnosis
On March 2, 2022, Paul’s worst fears were confirmed: kidney cancer. “When you hear the word cancer, there’s nothing that can prepare you for it,” he said, recalling the moment he felt himself black out during the appointment. With Kerry by his side, he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the diagnosis.
“I called my mum straight away and broke down in the car,” Paul admitted. Though the slow-growing two-centimetre tumour in his left kidney was alarming, doctors advised immediate treatment to prevent further complications. Further examinations revealed that the tumour was dangerously entangled with nearby arteries, complicating the situation. Ultimately, Paul opted for a total nephrectomy to safely remove his kidney.
Family Matters and Recovery
Breaking the news to his eldest son, Jaiden, who was preparing for his GCSEs, was one of Paul’s most challenging moments. “We sat in the garden and told him I was going for an operation, trying to reassure him I’d be fine,” Paul recounted. For his younger children, Archie and Belle, he kept the details vague, simply stating he needed to undergo a minor procedure.
On April 29, less than two months after his diagnosis, Paul faced surgery. Despite concerns over his rising blood pressure during the operation, he returned home a few days later. “I didn’t want the kids to see me in bed looking unwell, so I tried to keep things normal,” Paul explained. His determination to maintain a sense of normalcy for his children was unwavering.
Counselling and outdoor walks became crucial components of his recovery. Initially resistant to counselling, Paul eventually embraced it, finding solace in discussing his experiences while walking outdoors. “It became my therapy,” he said. “Being in the fresh air helped me process everything I’d been through.”
A New Purpose
In a bid to raise awareness and funds for Kidney Cancer UK, Paul completed a 26-mile Ultra Challenges Winter Walk in London just nine months post-surgery. “I wanted to show that I could still do something,” he expressed. The event garnered significant support, raising around £2,500. Tragically, this accomplishment coincided with the loss of his father, who passed away shortly after.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of events, Paul admitted, “In less than a year, I was diagnosed with cancer, had surgery, completed the walk, and lost my dad.” Even after receiving the all-clear in spring 2025, the emotional toll remains palpable. “It still feels surreal, and every day has its ups and downs,” he revealed.
Since his diagnosis, Paul has undertaken multiple charity walks, with aspirations for more challenges on the horizon. “I’m keen to tackle The Three Peaks challenge or even a marathon when I’m ready,” he said, underscoring how these endeavours have provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and community.
Why it Matters
Paul Souter’s journey is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of listening to our bodies. His story not only sheds light on the often-overlooked severity of kidney cancer but also champions the vital role of support, resilience, and community in overcoming harrowing challenges. As awareness grows, so does the hope for early detection and better outcomes for others facing similar battles.
