Walnut Campaign 2026 launches at Gibraltar City Hall
An important morning for men’s health, local medical progress and the community that continues to stand behind Prostate Cancer Gibraltar.
Prostate Cancer Gibraltar officially launched its Walnut Campaign 2026 on Friday 30 October at the Mayor’s Parlour in City Hall, bringing together supporters, healthcare professionals, charity representatives and members of the community. The event looked ahead to a month of awareness while reflecting on significant developments in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment in Gibraltar.
Deputy Mayor opens the campaign
The Deputy Mayor of Gibraltar, Mrs Andrea Simpson, opened the proceedings, recognising the far-reaching impact of prostate cancer on individuals and families and the importance of promoting conversations about men’s health.
She acknowledged the commitment of the organisers, sponsors, healthcare professionals, volunteers and supporters whose efforts help turn awareness into practical support. She then invited Joe Holliday, Chairman of Prostate Cancer Gibraltar, to address those present.
Fifteen years of making prostate health easier to talk about
Reflecting on the charity’s beginnings in 2011, Joe Holliday recalled a time when many men were reluctant even to discuss prostate cancer. Attitudes have changed considerably, he explained, with greater openness about PSA testing, symptoms, diagnosis and the support available to patients.
He reminded the audience that men can develop prostate cancer without obvious early symptoms, and that a reassuring PSA result from several years ago should not be treated as a permanent all-clear. The value of testing lies in making informed decisions and following medical advice about when to repeat it.
A reminder from the launch: knowing your PSA history and discussing appropriate testing with a healthcare professional is more useful than relying on a single result from years ago. A raised PSA does not itself mean prostate cancer.
The impact of partnership with the GHA
Joe Holliday shared figures illustrating developments in local prostate care. The charity continues to work closely with the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA), particularly its Urology Department, to support more accessible testing, timely assessment and modern treatment options.
Figures reported by Joe Holliday during the launch on 30 October 2026; they relate to different services and reporting periods and should not be compared as a single testing cohort.
The GHA pathway introduced in November 2022 enables eligible men aged 50 and over to request a PSA blood test directly by email, without first arranging a GP appointment. Mr Holliday also emphasised the importance of the 14-day diagnostic pathway, recognising how difficult it can be for patients to wait for results or further assessment.
He thanked the GHA’s senior management and Urology team, including Dr Paul Hughes and Dr James Allan, for their continued work and commitment to patients in Gibraltar.
Robotic surgery and care closer to home
One of the major subjects of the launch was the introduction of advanced robotic-assisted surgery at St Bernard’s Hospital. This technology has expanded the GHA’s surgical capabilities and supported a pioneering programme of remote surgery connecting specialist surgeons abroad with patients in Gibraltar.
Mr Holliday reported an overall project cost of approximately £860,000, including £500,000 from Kusuma Trust and a £160,000 contribution through Prostate Cancer Gibraltar, made possible by the charity’s resources and fundraising support. The GHA also contributed towards the project.
The development has attracted international attention, particularly through the involvement of Professor Prokar Dasgupta and his colleagues in London. Importantly, the equipment benefits more than one specialty, with wider applications across surgical services, including general surgery, colorectal surgery and gynaecology.
Read more about Professor Dasgupta and the expansion of telesurgery in Gibraltar.
A community effort, from sponsors to young volunteers
Mr Holliday expressed the charity’s gratitude to Kusuma Trust, corporate and individual sponsors, volunteers and everyone who contributes to its fundraising work. He also thanked the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission for continuing to organise the Free the Knee initiative, which brings local businesses together in support of awareness and fundraising.
Special recognition was given to Cancer Relief Gibraltar for its support to patients, partners, families and Prostate Cancer Gibraltar’s Buddies. Mr Holliday welcomed the involvement of younger supporters participating in sponsored running challenges throughout November, helping the next generation play an active part in the campaign.
Awareness that reaches people
Community events, workplace initiatives and volunteers help make prostate health a normal topic of conversation across Gibraltar.
Fundraising with a lasting impact
Corporate donations and individual contributions help support awareness activity and improvements in local healthcare through the GHA partnership.
A November of awareness and community involvement
The launch marks the start of another month of activities under the familiar “How’s Your Walnut?” campaign. As well as supporting fundraising and conversations about prostate health, the programme includes another opportunity for eligible men to access local PSA testing.
Prostate cancer awareness day with mobile PSA testing
Saturday 14 November 2026 · Outside Parliament House, John Mackintosh Square. The GHA Mobile Health Unit is expected to provide PSA testing. Advance booking is encouraged; booking instructions will be announced separately.
Following strong demand at the mobile testing initiative held on World Prostate Cancer Day in June, the charity is encouraging people to follow its announcements for appointment information rather than assume walk-in testing will be available.
Honouring John Diaz and considering the next steps for 2027
Mr Holliday welcomed the commemorative plaque installed at the entrance to the One-Stop Shop Urology Clinic in memory of John Diaz, a founding member and the charity’s first chairman. The tribute recognises his contribution to bringing prostate cancer awareness and improved care to the forefront of community life in Gibraltar.
Looking to 2027, he explained that the charity would continue discussions with the GHA about future improvements, including the possible role of prostate MRI in screening and diagnostic pathways. These remain matters for clinical consideration rather than an announced screening programme.
Minister John Cortes reflects on the charity’s journey
In closing remarks, Minister John Cortes reflected on his involvement with the charity during its early years and his experience in Gibraltar’s health service. He praised the collaboration between the charity, the GHA and the wider community, recognising the practical difference that sustained effort can make to individuals and families.
The launch concluded with thanks to everyone who has helped the charity develop since 2011. For Prostate Cancer Gibraltar, Walnut Campaign 2026 is both an opportunity to celebrate progress and a reminder that public engagement, patient support and continued improvements in local healthcare go hand in hand.
Walnut Campaign 2026: moments from the launch
Explore the official launch, the speeches, the medical displays and the people who came together to support the campaign. Click any photograph to see it larger. Use the arrows to move between images, or press Escape to close.
