I was 53 years old and my life was untouched by trauma or tragedy. I had a loving wife, a great career, two dogs, terrific friends, and an active and varied social life. I travelled a lot for business and pleasure, I was in the middle of designing a new house and I had a nice car. I jogged every morning and my life was good if somewhat hectic. There was little time for reflection. I was bullet proof.

Three months after my 53rd birthday I noticed a lump in my neck and was diagnosed with a tongue base cancer that had spread to the lymph glands in my neck. Life suddenly ceased to be a list of achievements, goals or possessions. A darkness of despair and fear descended on me. My existence was suddenly divided into two parts – before diagnosis and after diagnosis. I have never had to cope with anything as profound as this and I feared for my life and doubted my ability to cope. I watched the fear in my wife Diane’s eyes, and worried for her future.

There was a period of approximately three weeks between confirmation of my diagnosis and the start of treatment. I was referred to the RPA Head and Neck team. They explained the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, but more than that, they opened the door of hope and I saw the prospect of a life beyond. I was advised that the best treatment plan for my tumour would involve surgery followed by radiotherapy. The thought was terrifying as I was told how my face would be cut, my jaw divided and my neck opened. Then, skin from my arm would be used to fill the divot - scary stuff!

The operation took ten hours and went to plan. I came out of the anaesthetic to find myself surrounded by family and friends.  

The nurses and staff on the ward were wonderful and were headed by the redoubtable Justine Oates - they were in equal parts caring, compassionate and efficient.

On my first night encased in plaster, drips, tubes, drains and suchlike. I drifted in and out of sleep and every time I woke Justine was there beside my bed. I’ve embarrassed her ever since by calling her my “guardian angel”.

I was in hospital for 11 days, and four weeks after my discharge I started a five week course of radiation. I had been told that it would not be particularly pleasant and it certainly was not, but at this stage I had my tail up and was ready for almost anything.

It has been 16 months now since my treatment finished. I am not on any medication and I have regular and frequent health checks. My recovery is on track, I’ve put on weight and have minimum scarring thanks to above average embroidery. Friends and family have been wonderful and Di and I are closer than we have ever been. We have almost finished building our new home and I am back at work, albeit at a somewhat reduced pace.

I have moments of fear and moments of depression but these are now the exception rather than the rule. Life is more concentrated, less is taken for granted and relationships are stronger and more open. The knowledge and experience of cancer will always be with me. It is now a part of my life but I am optimistic and moving forward. I have no choice. There is no other direction to go.

I have since joined the Institute's steering commitee.