Peter Hosking celebrated his 90th Birthday in September, he has been married to his wife Josie for 66 years and he has two children. His son, Andrew is a GP Practice Manager, and his daughter Debbie is a retired House Mistress and PE Teacher.
In the New Year’s Honours List, Peter’s commitment to supporting people with Prostate cancer was recognised with him being awarded the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.).
Peter was born in Devon in 1931, his family moved to Bristol, and he attended St. Brendan’s College, where he excelled in sports, he was a schoolboy Rugby International, and he played for the Senior Bristol XV. He enjoyed various sports at a high-level including cricket, badminton, bowls and he later became a hockey umpire. Peter spent a great deal of time helping with the scout movement in Bristol, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. His chosen career was banking, he worked for Nat West in Bristol, Richmond, Worcester, Cheltenham, Bristol again and Brixham from where he retired in 1992.
On retirement Peter carried on with his sporting passions and continued his voluntary work for many charities. He was Chairman of Torbay Lifeboat Station for 16 years and Chairman of the Brixham Trawler Race. In 1999 he was diagnosed with Prostate cancer after a routine check-up, and he had to undergo damaging invasive treatment. He is still receiving treatment today. He recognised the need for raising awareness of Prostate cancer, supporting men and their families during diagnosis, through treatment and afterwards. This culminated in the setting up of the Torbay Prostate Support Association (TPSA). During the past 22 years Peter has (with a small number of Trustees) worked tirelessly offering leadership of the organisation, who have over that period raised almost £500,000, providing valuable equipment to Exeter RD&E and Torbay hospitals. They have held meetings with various guest speakers, including leading consultants, oncologists and dieticians. They have also produced regular bimonthly Newsletters. Peter is also a trained Macmillan Counsellor.
The invaluable work of the TPSA was publicly recognised in 2012, when Peter and fellow TPSA members were presented with the Queen’s Award for voluntary service by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon.
A few months ago, the TPSA donated £65,000 to the Urology Department which purchased a new BK3000 Ultras High Resolution Ultrasound System. The funds were raised by a truly magnificent Community effort over 2 years with the excellent help of so many parts of Torbay and surrounding areas. These substantial contributors include The Chestnut Appeal in Plymouth, the collaboration of the local Rotary Clubs, Churston Golf Club Senior Section, both Dainton and Teignmouth Golf Clubs, Babbacombe Lions Club and Masons Clubs in Teignmouth. In addition, there have been many fantastic donations from individual members of the public as well as Davys House, Torquay Boys Grammar School.
Peter was presented with his British Empire Medal at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, surrounded by members of his family who are incredibly proud of his achievements. He has worked tirelessly and is an inspiring and dedicated campaigner. Few are more deserving of an honour.
For more information on TPSA please visit their website.
