SUPPORTING charities that have in turn supported him, Rob Moores of Pyworthy has told his story of how he over came oesophageal cancer, writes Zoë Uglow.

Rob has been through quite a journey and won his fight against oesophageal cancer, being given the all clear in February 2015.

Anthony and Shelia Greenaway raised £450 with their annual Christmas lights display and the chosen charities were this year chosen by Rob.

Rob decided he wanted to give something back to those charities that supported him through his journey.

£225 went to Ochre, who promote awareness of oesophageal cancer and the other £225 went to the North Devon Upper Gi Cancer support group, which Rob attended.

Rob said: “I chose the support group as one of my chosen charities because they really helped me out when I was going through it.

“The support group in Barnstaple is run by a liaison nurse Sarah Dyson, and they hold a meeting every couple of months and there were around twenty or thirty people attending each session.

“It was a good place to get information and provided support for us as we were all experiencing similar situations.

“The second charity I chose was Ochre, as they are the official researchers for oesophageal cancer. Not many people have heard of then but they are doing pioneer and investigative work into why oesophageal cancer happens.

“It was just nice to be able to give something back to help those who have helped me whilst I was going through it.”

Rob was diagnosed in February 2015.

He told the Post that it started with a cough and he wasn’t initially going to go to the doctors over it as didn’t think it was that bad.

However, after visiting the doctors and getting it checked he was sent for an endoscopy.

Early detection meant that after the cancer was discovered he was booked in to have a major operation in July 2015 to remove the oesophagus.

Rob said: “The operation, which a lot have done, sees doctors removing a large section of the oesophagus and then virtually stretching the stomach so it is no longer kidney shaped but a long tube.

“You have to adjust your diet and be conscious of what you are eating but at the end of the day it is a small price to pay.”

Dr Beresford carried out Rob’s operation and Rob said: “He is a marvelous guy. He has done some pioneering work in the field of oesophageal cancer and specialises in it.

“He is a very popular guy at the support groups, as he has treated many of those attending and is head of the team down at Derriford.”

Rob explained that he was booked in to have his major operation one week before his birthday — however, there was a problem and things had to be rescheduled.

He said: “I can’t fault the NHS and there work, the treatment I received was great. Although, there was a slight problem when I got down to the hospital on the day of my operation.

“I arrived at the hospital, all ready in my nightie gown, prepared for the operation. But when I got down there I was told that they didn’t actually have a bed.

“Hospitals are under a lot of strain at the moment which I understood, but they made every effort and were able to re-organise my appointment for the following week — which unfortunately fell on my 60th birthday.

“So instead of receiving a nice birthday surprise from my wife and family I was in the operating theatre having major surgery.

“However, the operation was successful and I was given the all clear in February this year, so even though there was a mix up with beds I really can’t complain because the outcome was good.”

Rob wants to ensure that others get themselves checked out by doctors if they have any concerns.

For him it all started with a cough. Catching it early increases chances of survival, and Rob really wants to drive it home that if anyone has any concerns they shouldn’t leave it too late to get checked out, as an early diagnosis can save lives.