John’s story part 1: Before the diagnosis

John’s story begins long before his illness.  

A Devonian by birth, he trained and worked as a minerals engineer, a career that suited his problem solving and technical aptitude. Initially based in London his employer provided a managerial opportunity in South Africa. He built a life there, but decided in 1985, to return to the UK to set up his own business.  

Full of ambition and drive, he settled in Bristol, where his young brother was about to become a student. He was just 26 and ready to start the next chapter in his life. Then, one weekend in November, he began to feel unwell.  

At first it was subtle, a tiredness that wouldn’t shift. A pain in his left arm. Then something more worrying, bleeding from the gums. Concerned, John went to see his nearest GP who, by chance, had recently worked on the haematology ward of the local Southmead hospital. He had his suspicions, took blood and urine samples and sent them for immediate testing.  

That evening there was a knock on the door. It was the GP. He had the test results back and the news was blunt. In all likelihood he had leukaemia, and he needed further investigations at the hospital where an appointment had been for the next morning. 

John’s brother walked with him to the hospital. Before heading  to college, he gave him a firm good luck handshake. Within hours that left a thumb shaped bruise on John’s hand.  

While waiting for an X-Ray, John also remembers seeing a poster to encourage bone marrow donor registration. It read something like:  ‘without marrow donations, people with blood cancer could die.’ The words landed heavily, even before he knew what was coming. 

The diagnosis was clear; John had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Everything changed overnight.  

Always curious, and with no internet yet available, John turned to an encyclopaedia to learn more. The description and outlook was negative. But instead of giving up, John made a choice to stay positive, take each day as it came and whatever treatment that medicine could provide. This mindset would be a powerful tool in his journey to recovery. 

John made the decision to return to where he considers home, Devon, where his support network was stronger. By Wednesday evening he was on Yeo/Yarty ward of the old RD&E. 

This support from his family would be key over the course of his treatment. John remembers: “My mum was a rock throughout.” Despite his circumstances he also felt incredibly happy over the months he spent on Yeo/Yarty due to the friendship, care and support of the staff. 

Click here to read John's story - Part 2