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 Committee.