The Coversure network is more than just a group of businesses – it’s a community of people who care about one another. That’s why, at our recent Expo event, we announced a new initiative to provide prostate cancer self-diagnosis kits across our network.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK (Cancer Research UK), and early detection can be lifesaving.
One member of our network, Richard Hopson, Director at Coversure Ilfracombe, knows just how important early detection can be. Richard was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. This International Men’s Day, he’s bravely shared his story with us in the hope that it encourages others to get tested.
“Turns out I wasn’t as healthy as I thought I was”
Despite feeling well and showing no symptoms, Richard, 53, discovered he had prostate cancer during a routine medical check arranged through work.
“Our accountant once said, ‘A healthy business is one that’s got healthy directors’, so we decided to get a medical. Everything came back fine, except one thing. They found prostate cancer.”
Thankfully, it was caught early. Since then, Richard has undergone 18 weeks of chemotherapy and is now undergoing a course of radiotherapy.
Finding strength in talking
Initially, Richard kept the diagnosis private, sharing it only with his wife and business partner.
“When I first found out, I buried my head in the sand. I didn’t want to tell anyone. But my wife encouraged me to talk about it, and the more I spoke, the easier it got – it was like therapy.”
On the first day of chemotherapy, Richard decided to share his experience publicly on Facebook. The post received an overwhelming response.
Hundreds of people got in touch – friends, colleagues, people I hadn’t spoken to for years. So many had their own experiences with cancer but didn’t talk about it. It was comforting to hear their stories, and it made me realise how powerful openness can be.
Richard Hopson, Director at Coversure Ilfracombe
Turning experience into action
Richard’s diagnosis has inspired him to take action to help others. Earlier this year, he began fundraising to host a free PSA testing event in his hometown, ensuring local men can access early testing.
“If you don’t have symptoms or a family history, your GP often won’t offer a PSA test. So I wanted to set something up locally where men could just come along and get tested for free.”
Working with My PSA Tests, Richard raised an incredible £5,000 through a charity football match and a JustGiving page which was enough to fund 200 free tests at an event taking place in February 2026.
He hopes to make it an annual initiative, encouraging more men to get tested and raising funds for related charities that have supported his family through treatment.
“Even if one person catches it early because of this, it’ll all be worth it.”
Inspiring change across the network
At Coversure, we’re proud to support initiatives like Richard’s and to see members of our network championing awareness and wellbeing. Our new prostate cancer self-diagnosis initiative will give men across Jensten Network the opportunity to test easily and privately.
Don’t be afraid to get tested. It’s a simple blood test that could save your life. If you’re offered a PSA test, take it – and if you’re not, ask for one.
Richard Hopson, Director at Coversure Ilfracombe
Support Richard’s mission
You can support Richard’s fundraising for local prostate cancer testing events by donating to his JustGiving page.
Together, we can make a difference
Richard’s story is a powerful example of how awareness and early detection save lives. As we move forward with our health initiative, we do so with gratitude for people like Richard – who remind us that at the heart of every business are the people who make it thrive.
