“Ann and I have been married for 50 golden years and have shared Candis magazine for 40 of them! We first joined Candis because we wanted to support the charities – you never know when something might happen to you.
“And it did. In June 2006 I had no idea anything was wrong with me until I passed blood while going to the toilet. I didn’t feel ill at all but realised I should tell the doctor.
“My GP sent me to the local hospital in Chorley straight away for tests. I was given an X-ray which showed that I had cancer in my left kidney. I was referred to Preston Hospital where I had an operation to remove the kidney in August.
“The operation went very well and Ann was by my side as I spent 12 days recovering in hospital. Our oldest daughter Susan was able to stay with Ann to give her support too.
“I made a marvellous recovery and managed to go on a Candis Club holiday to Alvaston Hall in September. Another Candis Club member and good friend of mine, Peter Brown, was able to drive me there and it was a truly wonderful break.
“But last year a biopsy last year revealed I had two small tumours in my bladder. A course of chemotherapy soon put me right and killed the tumours. I now have regular check-ups to be on the safe side.
“My cancer scare was thankfully short-lived. Fortunately I didn’t need the services of charities like Marie Curie Cancer Care, but it made me realise how valuable they are to society and how our donations through Candis Club have counted.
“I’m so happy to get back to my hobbies again – supporting Blackpool and Preston North End football clubs, as well as enjoying having my daughters Susan and Janet and their children around me.
“Never take your health for granted – go to your doctor straight away if you get a so much as a hint something might not be right.”
