Day 41 - Boat on drive and letter published!

www.thisisexeter.co.uk

THOSE CRITICS SHOULD GET A LIFE
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12:00 - 02 July 2005
I read Colin Richey's pathetic attempt to criticise the Government's proposition to ban smoking from public places and Gordon Howells' ridiculous attempt to slate the work of the NHS. Just five weeks ago, I was diagnoised with cancer of the tonsil that had infected a left sided lymph gland. In less than a week the tonsil, 32 lymph glands and an impacted wisdom tooth were removed from my neck.

The consultant, Mr McCellan, and his team and Otter ward at the RD &E were NHS professionals, who needed no private funding intervention, but acted quickly and swiftly to give me an opportunity to see my children grow up. Within two weeks of the surgery, my mask for my radiation and my dates for chemotheraphy were ready. Monday sees the start of my radiation and chemo theraphy.

It is clear that the NHS is not the shambles Mr Howells attempts to make it out to be and the funding, processes, and delivery of the professionals are spot on. They have given me a chance to live - a chance so many are not so lucky to have. Mr Howells' view has more to do with political dogma than facts.

My cancer is a 'smoker's' cancer. I am 41 and have kept fit all of my life, and was still running and cycling the week before my operation. I ate healthily, perhaps had much more wine than I should, but never smoked.

It is clear to everyone from the front of cigarette packets and the words "smoking kills" that passive smoking could be the cause of my cancer.

I fight a battle for my life not knowing whether years of working in smoke-filled bars, offices and railway carriages were to blame. Many organisations such as Wetherspoons, railway, airline and bus companies know smoking kills and have banned it.

I have never been a member of the smoking police but it is clear that in the 21st century we should not expose people to the risks of passive smoking. I would urge public places to adopt the stance taken by Tim Martin, of Wetherspoons, and where possible, reduce all risk of passive smoking which in turn will cause cancer.

My advice to Messrs Richey and Howells is 'get a life', which involves using their energy in a more constructive way which could involve an allotment, long walks or, better still, donating your time to fundraising for charities Force, Hospiscare or Cancer Research and find out the real facts.

Nigel Gooding

Royal Way, Starcross