“I never thought cancer was even a possibility.”
Following severe abdominal pain and repeated visits to GPs and walk-in centres, Denzil underwent numerous blood tests that failed to provide clear answers.
At one stage, he was told his low blood platelet count could possibly be linked to his ethnicity. Meanwhile, the pain continued.
Eventually, further scans revealed devastating news: Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
My immediate response was to make a joke. The next 24 hours were a complete blur — an out-of-body experience as I tried to process everything.
A loss that changed everything.
Just months before his own diagnosis, Denzil lost his brother Carlton to oesophageal cancer. Carlton had kept his diagnosis private from almost everyone around him.
“Not even his mum knew about the diagnosis.” The loss deeply affected Denzil and highlighted something he believes many families experience: men suffering in silence.
Especially within communities of colour, conversations around illness, vulnerability and emotional wellbeing are often avoided. That silence can be dangerous.
It made me realise that men do not talk in these moments of doubt and uncertainty.
Facing treatment.
Following surgery to remove the tumour, Denzil began chemotherapy treatment. The experience was physically and emotionally exhausting.
“Chemotherapy was horrendous.” Treatment became a relentless cycle:
- Hospital appointments
- Delays
- Fear
- Fatigue
- Hope
- Recovery
- And starting again
My mind and body were all over the place. One day drifted into another.
“I genuinely thought I was going to die.”
Low blood counts frequently delayed treatment, adding even more uncertainty and frustration to an already difficult process. “The hot water bottle became my friend. I was constantly cold.”
At one stage during treatment, Denzil developed neutropenic sepsis — a potentially life-threatening complication caused by chemotherapy. Urgent medical care helped stabilise his condition. Despite everything, Denzil never gave up.
It was a mixture of frustration, fear and hope… but I never stopped fighting.
The power of support.
During recovery, Denzil's sister suggested creating a WhatsApp group where friends and family could stay updated and offer support. What began as a simple group chat quickly became something much bigger.
Denzil would message the group asking if anyone wanted to meet him for a walk. Those walks became a lifeline.
Walking side-by-side made conversations easier. More honest. More open. Sometimes people talked. Sometimes they simply walked together in silence. Both mattered.
It became a safe space for us to discuss anything and everything — free from judgement.
Creating Hear 2 Ear.
Those early Walk & Talk sessions eventually became the foundation for Hear 2 Ear CIC — a safe space built around conversation, support, emotional wellbeing, openness, community and healing.
Today, the walks continue to bring people together from different backgrounds and experiences.
“One of the guys told me recently that the Saturday meet-ups are oxygen to him.”
It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help or share your feelings. For me, it is a sign of strength.
Turning pain into purpose.
Since sharing his story publicly, Denzil has become a passionate advocate for awareness, openness and early conversations around cancer.
His journey has led to awareness campaigns, community speaking events, radio interviews, Westminster invitations, Downing Street discussions linked to the UK National Cancer Plan, and partnerships with Macmillan Cancer Support.
In 2026, Macmillan Cancer Support featured Denzil's story as part of a national campaign focused on cancer awareness and emotional support.
If I can save just one life by sharing my experience, it will all be worth it.
A message for others
Cancer changes lives — physically, emotionally and mentally.
Through Hear 2 Ear, Denzil hopes to encourage more people — especially men — to speak openly, seek support and realise they do not have to carry everything alone.
“Cancer is a scary word. The treatment and side effects can be horrific. But cancer is not going away. It is a battle many of us will face at some point — either ourselves or somebody we love.”
“Each one help one.”
The mission continues