John had 19lb tumour removed
A mid Wales cancer survivor, who had a 19lb tumour removed from his stomach, has been chosen as the face of a campaign to raise vital funds for life-saving research.
John Morgan, 56, is launching Cancer Research UK’s World Cancer Day campaign in Wales, to encourage people to wear the charity’s Unity Band with pride on February 4.
He says that, thanks to progress in cancer research, he was able to marry his wife, Liz and complete the London Marathon.
Mr Morgan, from Builth Wells, a support assistant at a college for adults with special needs, was diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma in 2015
“I felt a lump in my stomach which I thought was a hernia. I was also having difficulty bending and felt short of breath so I went to see my GP. I was sent for a CT scan and the doctor confirmed I had a sarcoma growing in my abdomen which was surrounding my right kidney.
“I thought it was the end of the road for me but my doctor referred me to specialists in Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham. I had an operation in May to remove the tumour as well as my right kidney, and some of my intestines.
"The tumour had grown dramatically and weighed almost two stone by the time I had the surgery. The surgeon who removed it said it was one of the biggest tumours he had ever seen.
“I was in hospital for just over a week and off work for four months after the operation and now have check-ups every six months to check everything is still ok.”
Last year he was diagnosed with skin cancer after his dentist noticed an unusual blemish on his lip now he has regular checks on moles.
“It’s all quite unusual for me. I was in the Army for 22 years and I’m really fit for my age. I have never smoked, rarely drink and have a healthy diet. I was lucky I was so fit when I went through the first operation as I was up and about after a day and was walking up and down stairs within two days. The doctors couldn’t believe how quickly I recovered.”
Cancer Research UK’s Unity Band features a classic reef knot design to symbolise the strength of people coming together to unite against cancer.
“I’m still here today, enjoying doing all the things that are so dear to me. That’s why I want everyone in Wales to wear a Cancer Research UK Unity Band on World Cancer Day – it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research. Just by wearing a Unity Band, everyone can help make a real difference to people with cancer.”
The bands are available in three different colours – pink, navy and blue - and can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome the disease or in support of those going through treatment.
