Gary Dunnicliff, who has been performing stand-up comedy for nearly 40 years, organised three sell-out comedy and variety shows over the last year in aid of the department providing his care.
The 61-year-old, who goes by the stage name ‘Gary Marshall’, said: “The Urology department has been brilliant with my treatment. It was amazing how quickly everything was done.”
In July 2024, Gary was referred to the department after doctors discovered he had a raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 20ng/ml.
A PSA test is a blood test that helps detect conditions affecting the prostate, including prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate, according to NHS.UK.
Within two weeks of his initial referral to the department, Gary had received a diagnosis for prostate cancer, and had an MRI scan, a biopsy, a CAT scan and a full body scan.
He was also given hormone tablets to bring his PSA down.
Sadly, scans confirmed the cancer was metastatic – it had spread from Gary’s prostate to his bone.
Gary said: “I know deep down what’s going to happen but to keep me going for this long – it’s great.”
One in eight men will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to Prostate Cancer UK, but there is currently no national NHS screening programme for the condition.
Gary said: “Similar to breast and cervical screening, prostate checks should be mandatory from the age of 50 as early diagnosis can make such a difference.”
Gary has been organising comedy afternoons for years to support different causes, but since his diagnosis he has made the Urology Department the focus of his fundraising.
He said: “I’m delighted that I can give something back and help more men of my age.”
In March 2025, Gary hosted the first show at the Woodfield Social Club, raising £1,000.
The event featured acts such as MC Hammersmith, Hayley Ellis, Sean Percival and Jamie Sutherland, alongside musical performances from Adrenaline 2 and John C Morgan.
In September of the same year, Gary held the show at Hawthorn Social Club and raised £3,500.
Comedy acts included Jeff Innocent, Martin Gold and Les Gibson, joined once again by Jamie Sutherland, Adrenaline 2 and John C Morgan, as well as music from Peter Jones.
In February 2026, Gary hosted a further show and raised his highest amount yet: £4,000.
Each afternoon was a full house with around 160 guests, raising a total of £8,500 to support patients in the hospital’s prostate clinic.
Gary said: “One of our comedy afternoons each year will now be dedicated to supporting the Urology team.”
Gary felt especially cared for when, during his chemotherapy treatment in September 2024, he was offered a ‘cold cap’ to help reduce hair loss.
He said: “One of the nurses said I had a good head of hair and did I want to try the cold cap.”
A cold cap – also called ‘scalp cooling’ – works by lowering the temperature of the scalp. This narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow, which can help limit the impact of chemotherapy on hair follicles.
Gary said: “I could only do it for 15 minutes maximum. Some people wear it for hours.”
Thanks to the fast actions of the Urology team, Gary’s PSA had dropped significantly to just 0.28ng/ml by September 2024 and by January 2025, he had completed his chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.
In June 2026, Gary’s PSA was even lower at 0.15ng/ml.
Sue Hill, Cancer Nurse Specialist at DBTH, said: “Gary has shown remarkable positivity and determination throughout his treatment, and it has been a privilege for the team to care for him.
“He’s put his feelings aside to bring laughter to everyone else. They do say laughter is the best medicine.
“The decision to give something back through fundraising, while going through such an intense period himself, is incredibly generous. The funds Gary has raised will make a real difference to patients attending the prostate clinic, and we are extremely grateful for his support.”
Gary said: “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone at the Urology Department for all the care I have received. Thank you for keeping me alive.”
About DBTH Charity:
Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.
These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.
Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/