IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK HOME SAYS IRFON AFTER CANCER OP

“I’VE had a battering.” Those were cancer patient Irfon Williams’ first words after coming home to recover following major surgery to remove tumours.

The father-of-five from Bangor was forced to move to England to get the Cetuximab drug he needed after it was refused by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and a Welsh Government appeals panel.

Three weeks after Irfon underwent a seven-hour operation to remove tumours in his liver and bowel at a hospital in Liverpool, his mum Eirlys and stepdad Clive picked up the Daily Post Leader of the Year 2015 award on his behalf last Thursday.

Irfon was not well enough to attend the ceremony at Bangor University, and was recuperating at home with wife Rebecca.

He said: “I hadn’t realised the enormity of the operation to get rid of all the tumours.

“There were post-operative complications which slowed things down and I had to return to the theatre.

“I had three weeks in hospital and a week of that in intensive care because of an infection.

“The first week after coming out of intensive care, I was dazed. The last week, I was seeing visitors because it made the days go quicker.”

He added: “I feel a bit sore but am walking around and trying to eat and drink small amounts. I’m just building myself up. It’s going to take a few months.

“I’ve had a nice walk in the garden. It’s nice to be back with Becky and the children.”

Becky said: “It’s nice to have him home. The children are pleased to see him. We’ll get him fighting fit again.”

He will be going back regularly to Aintree and the Christie Hospital in Manchester for check-ups, and hopes his drains will be taken out this week.

The former nurse manager has now retired due to his health at the age of 45.

He said: “I have got time to think about what to do with myself now. One thing on my bucket list is to write a book about my story.

“As well as the fundraising, we have managed to raise awareness about cancer treatment and the importance of staying positive and promoting wellbeing.”

Irfon, who used to enjoy a pint of Guinness, has been teetotal since March.

He added: “I don’t miss it, but you never know in the future... Being positive has been a big part of my recovery and I do need to do that now more than ever.

“That really keeps me going. I will never give up. I will always keep going.”