The Unexpected

In August 1985 I was admitted to hospital, the next day I was stunned to hear I had cancer. The morning after a very disturbed night I was more composed and wanted to know the prognosis. Medical tests commenced quickly, they seemed to go on for ever, emotions played on my mind - I was asking, "Why?" the more I searched for answers, the more elusive they became. My GP told me my cancer was terminal and that I should consider winding things up in my life.

I asked how long I'd got, he replied "four to five weeks" I told my parents I had terminal cancer, amazingly they showed no emotion. I picked up a magazine by chance and discovered an article about cancer by Claire Rainer which mentioned The Royal Marsden Hospital in London. I arrived at The Royal Marsden tired but optimistic. More tests followed then, Tina my doctor told me excitedly they'd matched a treatment to my condition. After my very first treatment, there already seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Over the next few months I was on a rollercoaster ride of treatments, then in March 86 I left hospital determined to do something that would inspire others. That Easter I walked the source of the Severn. Filled with ambition I set my sights on Snowdon, winding my way up I finally arrived at the summit with a great sense of achievement. I'd done it - conquered the mountain and my cancer. Seventeen years on my challenges are different but my sense of achievement remains the same.

Brian Jones