A BUILTH WELLS 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 Sunday (February 4).

Every day, about 52 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer. By wearing a Unity Band, the charity says people can show solidarity with those affected by the disease.??It also means raising money for more research, more treatments and more cures which help give people, like John, a dad of two children and two step-children, more precious time doing the things they love. ?

Thanks to progress in cancer research, John was able to marry his wife, Liz, take part in the London Marathon and recently he has started a mountaineering leaders’ course to help Duke of Edinburgh students with their qualifications. 

John said: “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.”

John, who works as a support assistant at a college for adults with special needs, was diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma in 2015. He said: “I felt a lump in my stomach which I thought was a hernia. My wife, who’s a nurse, felt the lump and told me to get it checked out.

“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 the sarcoma specialists in Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham.  I had an operation in May to remove the sarcoma 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 but since then, I have got married and I took part in the London Marathon and then the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research UK.

“I now have check-ups every six months to check everything is still ok.”

John’s cancer journey didn’t end there, as last year he was diagnosed with skin cancer after his dentist noticed an unusual blemish on his lip.

“I thought the mark was a cut from shaving but the dentist asked me to get it checked as he thought it looked suspicious,” said John. “I had the mole removed and it turned out to be skin cancer.”

He now has regular check-ups on his moles to check they’re not cancerous.

John said: “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.”

Since his treatment, John spends more time with his wife and family, goes on more holidays and has been enjoying hillwalking in the Brecon Beacons.

John said: “I love the outdoors – we’re so lucky to live just around the corner from the Brecon Beacons. Walking is a great tonic. I certainly savour life more now and am so grateful for research that helps me enjoy life.”??

Cancer Research UK’s Unity Band features a classic reef knot design to symbolise the strength of people coming together to unite against 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.??

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “We are very grateful to John for his support and showing how important it is for everyone to wear a Unity Band on World Cancer Day.”?