A PATIENT’S STORY I owe my survival to the drug trial and the doctors

– Cancer patient Nigel Shaddick

Just four years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, telecoms engineer Nigel Shaddick is climbing 500ft-high masts.

When the cancer was confirmed he was told he was unlikely to survive more than a year.

Nigel, 53, from Culloden, said: “I was probably not going to see my 50th birthday but a chance meeting with a friend led to the chance of a surgical treatment trial at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow.

“Scans there proved the cancer was too advanced and I was referred to Dr MacKean’s research as a last-ditch effort. I completed almost all the drug therapy until my liver began to react but I am doing extremely well and owe my survival to the trial and dedicated doctors.

“Amazingly, my scans show no visible cancer. It is too small even for radiologists to detect. “I have even passed my work medical allowing me to climb the high masts that keep the Highlands connected .

“My passion for cycling remains and I do around 50 miles weekly as well as run and have restored an old campervan.”

Nigel believes he may have been exposed to asbestos through a spell in the Royal Navy in the asbestos-lined ships.

“I’m now used to help teach the new generation of oncologists and it’s a joy to be here to inspire them,” he added.