A CANCER sufferer who is a clinical trial patient is taking part in a walk to raise vital funds for the research centre which has helped save his life. John Worsdale, of Stockens Green in Knebworth, will be taking part in Cancer Research UK s London Pride

A CANCER sufferer who is a clinical trial patient is taking part in a walk to raise vital funds for the research centre which has helped save his life.

John Worsdale, of Stockens Green in Knebworth, will be taking part in Cancer Research UK's London Pride Walk and Fun Run on July 19.

John, 76, is a patient at Hammersmith Hospital and has undergone pioneering treatment as part of a clinical trial.

Without this treatment, he may have died.

John first felt unwell in 2007, just before a trip to Canada to visit his sister.

He said: "During our holiday, I wasn't able to enjoy my favourite breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup and I realised something was wrong."

Back in the UK, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and started treatment at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

After eight cycles of chemotherapy, he was recruited to the trial at Hammersmith in July 2008.

He has received 11 months of treatment and is doing well.

John will be taking part in the London fundraising walk with four research nurses who have been caring for him.

He said: "The nurses are great and they really take care of me. Without them, and the fantastic treatment I received, I might not be here to take part in the London Pride Walk or to have seen Stevenage Borough win the FA Trophy in Wembley in May. My team, and my wonderful family, keep me going."

He added: "I'm taking part in the walk for me, and to help others who may need treatment in the future, as it all raises money for the work of Cancer Research UK at Hammersmith Hospital."

Hammersmith Hospital is one of Cancer Research UK's pioneering centres.

The work there includes investigating links between hormones and breast cancer, and running clinical trials - testing new treatments for cancers including lung, prostate and breast cancer.

This life-saving work is funded almost entirely by public donations.

For more information about the London Pride Walk, visit http://supportus.cancerresearchuk.org/londonpride2009 or call 08701 602040.