Former councillor and Come Dine With Me contestant Phil Davies, 61, was told last year that he was living on borrowed time after being referred to Barnsley Hospital with stomach pains following a tennis match last year.
He initially thought it was just a pulled muscle but then his condition deteriorated, culminating in his intermittently losing the use of his leg.
Phil visited the hospital where he was due to undergo surgery for a gallbladder problem when doctors discovered a tumour the size of a golf ball in his bowel.
“When they told me it was cancer I was sort of numb to it,” said Phil, of Lingard Street, Old Town.
“It only really hit me when my wife went to bits and I realised how big of an issue it was. I am her carer so I was concerned with making sure she was OK rather than thinking of myself.”
Phil was treated by Professor Sagar at St James’ University Hospital, Leeds - and credits the professor for helping to prolong his life.
“Everyone at the hospital was amazing and I cannot praise Prof Sagar enough for my treatment,” he added.
“I was in hospital for three weeks and the whole time I felt in control of my treatment and informed at every step of the way. “Not once have I been made to feel silly or like I am annoying people for being inquisitive about things, which I found very comforting.”
Phil has since been told that his cancer is terminal, and is due to start chemotherapy next month.
“My only regret is that I won’t get to see my grand kids grow up,” Phil added. “It’s the small things like not knowing what job they will have or what they will look like at 30, but I know we have some amazing memories together and I am thankful for the life I have had.”
Richard Baker, clinical director of abdominal medicine and surgery at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We endeavour do our best to deliver outstanding care to all of our patients, it’s lovely to hear such positive feedback particularly after the year we have all faced. We have particular expertise in dealing with complex bowel cancer and strive to put the patient’s needs and wishes at the centre of everything we do.”
