A dad of two from St Helens is planning to abseil down the side of Liverpool Cathedral to raise money to help cancer patients – and he is taking his son in law along for the challenge.
Carlo Amadio will take part in the event in July to raise vital funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Carlo was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2023. His late dad had suffered from the disease, so he was aware of the importance of early diagnosis.
He said: “My wife Amanda noticed some of the early signs and said I needed to get checked, I had just turned 50. With my family history I knew it was important, so I went to my doctor and was referred for tests.”
Carlo underwent a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test which is a blood test that measures the amount of the protein PSA in the blood. He also had a scan and biopsies and was diagnosed with an aggressive and fast-growing prostate cancer.
Carlo was referred for treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
The dad of two said: “When I was diagnosed, I just felt empty. For a couple of weeks, I was just in my own little world but then I realised I had to make some changes and be positive.
“I had always gone to the gym and continued to do so when I was undergoing treatment and was able.” His family were a huge help, as were his colleagues at QVC in Kirkby where he is a customer services manager.
“My colleagues started raising money for cancer and it felt really good to have their support in that way. It really helped,” he said.
Carlo underwent radiotherapy and hormone therapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. He finished his treatment in June 2023. He returned to work in July and had very encouraging test results showing the cancer was no longer detectable.
As well as his family, Amanda, daughter Holly and son Harry, Carlo credited the Clatterbridge staff with helping him along his treatment journey with support and encouragement and urged anyone in the same position to open up, seek help and always ask questions.
He said: “There is lots of help out there. When I was diagnosed, I was trying to protect my family, and they wanted to look after me. I had so much support from them but for other people I would say there is always support from Clatterbridge and the staff there. You can get answers to any question and so much support.”
During his treatment, Carlo had noticed posters around the hospital advertising the work of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, including the summer abseil, but he wasn’t quite ready at that point for a big challenge. But he feels well prepared for this year’s event.
And he will be joined by son in law to be Ryan Griffiths who is marrying Holly in May 2027. He said: “Ryan has been so supportive, and we are so looking forward to doing this together.”
Did he have to twist his arm to join in?
“Not at all,” Carlo said. “When I announced I was doing the abseil he said straight away he would do it with me.
“The whole experience of having cancer and treatment has changed my outlook on life. I am more laid back now. I would say to anyone going through the same thing to know you are not alone.
“I want to give something back to Clatterbridge for the help they gave me.”
Rachel Heslin, Events Fundraiser for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: “It is thanks to Carlo and all those who fundraise through our events that we are able to support the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.
“We can’t wait to see Carlo and Ryan at Liverpool Cathedral and all the other abseilers for a day of fun and important fundraising. Taking part in an event like this is a great way to challenge yourself and help people with cancer.”
The Liverpool Cathedral Abseil will take place on 12th July from 1pm.
You can descend 150ft over the side of the great West Door and help Clatterbridge Cancer Charity fund even more life-saving research and innovative projects to support cancer patients and their families.
Abseilers will experience seeing the city in a whole new light. They can pose for a picture at the top before enjoying the thrill of abseiling off one of the UK’s most iconic buildings.
Entry costs £10 per person and participants are asked to fundraise £150.
Find out more about the event and how to take part here.
