Ripley's world : the rugby icon's ultimate victory over cancer

"Ripley's World" is the remarkably honest account of England and British Lions rugby legend Andy Ripley's fight against prostate cancer.

In diary form, he candidly documents his reaction to the initial diagnosis and the effect this had on him and his family.

He guides us through his subsequent treatment, along the way enlightening us with his philosophical, often jovial take on the personal events unfolding around him.

As is to be expected, Ripley experiences a whirlwind of emotions along the way, but he takes the challenge head on, retaining his trademark humour and charm in the face of adversity.

Rather than submitting to his condition, Ripley has chosen not only to fight his cancer relentlessly, but also to throw himself into campaigning for The Prostate Cancer Charity in an attempt to highlight an illness that is spoken about far too infrequently, despite the fact that 35,000 men are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK."Ripley's World" is a compelling, moving and surprisingly entertaining read that is sure to provoke discussion on prostate cancer amongst men and society in general. Where most men diagnosed with prostate cancer have suffered in relative silence, Ripley has chosen to use his illness and his experience of fighting it to inform and educate others.

This is his story.