Having The Christie on my doorstep is fantastic
Manchester Evening News|September 03, 2024
RETIRED HEADTEACHER HAILS CANCER HOSPITAL AS HE HAS 50,000TH TREATMENT GIVEN TO PATIENTS AT HOME
HELENA VESTY
Having The Christie on my doorstep is fantastic

A RETIRED headteacher had chemotherapy in his garden shed while being treated for bladder cancer.

Des Burns was first diagnosed with the life-threatening illness back in 2018, shortly before he retired. When blood was found in his urine, he received devastating news of his diagnosis.

After quick treatment, he spent three years cancer-free, until tragically the illness returned. But thanks to a ground- breaking service by Manchester's internationally acclaimed cancer centre, The Christie, Des could get treatment from home - including in his decked-out garden shed.

The 67-year-old, from Bury, spoke of the first time he knew something was wrong back in 2018.

He said: "I was over in Ireland when I first knew something was wrong.

"I was going to the toilet a lot but just thought I just needed some antibiotics.

Then I saw there was blood in my urine - and a lot of it. I went to see my GP and was put on the cancer fast track.

"From Easter, everything happened quickly. I had an operation in June at North Manchester General Hospital, and they saved my bladder. Then, I was referred to The Christie in July, starting on my first lot of chemotherapy in August. I also had radiotherapy at The Christie.

"Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, I never felt hopeless. Every medical professional I met said there was something that could be done, and I've been able to maintain a reasonable quality of life during the treatment.

Family and friends have been very positive and supportive throughout." For three years, Des lived cancer-free.

But a devastating scan then showed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, needing more radiotherapy and more chemotherapy.

Denne historien er fra September 03, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 03, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA MANCHESTER EVENING NEWSSe alt
GUARDIOLA TAKES AIM AT ENGLAND OVER CITY'S GREALISH
Manchester Evening News

GUARDIOLA TAKES AIM AT ENGLAND OVER CITY'S GREALISH

PEP Guardiola threw City into a row with the FA by brutally unpicking interim England coach Lee Carsley's claims about Jack Grealish.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024
GOLDEN DUO IN LINE FOR TOP AWARD
Manchester Evening News

GOLDEN DUO IN LINE FOR TOP AWARD

SALFORD PAIR IN RUNNING FOR GOLDEN BOOT AWARD

time-read
1 min  |
November 09, 2024
Lawrence ready for Suaalii battle
Manchester Evening News

Lawrence ready for Suaalii battle

OLLIE Lawrence admits he is stepping into the unknown when he takes on Australia's rugby league superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at Allianz Stadium today.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024
‘Crocodile Beefy’ in rescue mission
Manchester Evening News

‘Crocodile Beefy’ in rescue mission

CRICKET legend lan Botham was rescued by his former Ashes rival Merv Hughes after falling into crocodile-infested waters while fishing.

time-read
1 min  |
November 09, 2024
Honours for officers murdered by Cregan
Manchester Evening News

Honours for officers murdered by Cregan

FATHERS OF PCs ACCEPT FIRST ELIZABETH EMBLEM AWARDS

time-read
1 min  |
November 09, 2024
Good nutrition fuels brain’, head declar
Manchester Evening News

Good nutrition fuels brain’, head declar

THE foundations for lifelong healthy living are laid at school, a passionate headteacher says.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Kate to attend two events to honour fallen
Manchester Evening News

Kate to attend two events to honour fallen

THE Princess of Wales is to attend both the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend, Buckingham Palace has announced.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Trio charged in connection with Payne's death
Manchester Evening News

Trio charged in connection with Payne's death

THREE people have been charged in connection with the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne as Argentine authorities ruled out third party involvement in his fall.

time-read
1 min  |
November 09, 2024
Five hurt in violence
Manchester Evening News

Five hurt in violence

ISRAELI football fans have been attacked after a match in Amsterdam, with five people admitted to hospital and 62 arrested, Dutch police said.

time-read
1 min  |
November 09, 2024
Residents to have a say on stadium plans
Manchester Evening News

Residents to have a say on stadium plans

CONSULTATION TO HEAR COMMUNITY VIEWS IS UNDER WAY

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024