A POWYS kidney cancer survivor who feared he might not see his 50th birthday says he is living proof of the power of research.

Carl Jones, now 50, is urging people to support a new campaign that shines a light on the invaluable impact that cancer breakthroughs have on the lives of people like him.

His call comes as data released by Cancer Research UK reveals around 58,400 deaths from cancer have been avoided in Wales since the late 1980s, due to advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while cancer mortality rates have fallen by 23 per cent since 1988.

County Times: Carl, from Lower Chapel, has now been able to continue enjoying life with his loved ones, like wife Maxine Carl, from Lower Chapel, has now been able to continue enjoying life with his loved ones, like wife Maxine (Image: Matthew Horwood)

Carl, from Lower Chapel, between Builth Wells and Brecon, believes he owes his life to drugs that Cancer Research UK helped to develop, and is backing the charity’s ‘Together We Are Beating Cancer’ campaign.

The awareness and fundraising drive highlights the heartwarming moments being made possible for people affected by cancer.

“The number of lives that have been saved in Wales shows the immense power of research and I know this better than most,” said Carl, who since finishing his treatment, has been making more memories with his wife Maxine.

“I’ve celebrated my 50th birthday with a life-long dream of visiting Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland, I’ve travelled round Scotland and England in our campervan, and in September we’ll be marking our 20th wedding anniversary.

“These are all moments that were impossible to imagine when I heard those devastating words: ‘It’s cancer.’”

OTHER NEWS:

Carl was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer, in September 2021 after finding blood in his urine.

“I’d got up from watching TV to go for a wee and it was like I’d poured a bottle of merlot down the toilet,” he said.

“I’d had kidney stones in the past, so I thought they were back.”

The next morning, he made a same day appointment to see his GP who referred him for a CT scan two weeks later in Hereford.

Carl, a former hair salon owner, added: “After the scan, I was asked to wait around for the results, and to call Maxine from the car where she had to wait for me due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We sat together in disbelief as I was dealt the devastating news that they’d found a growth on my left kidney. Maxine asked if that meant cancer and the consultant nodded. When we got back into the car, we held each other and cried.”

Carl had to break the news to his parents; his father was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at the time.

In October, he underwent surgery to remove his left kidney, his ureter and some of his bladder.

At a follow-up appointment in November, doctors confirmed he had a rare form of kidney cancer called Transitional Cell Carcinoma.

“I couldn’t help but ask ‘why me?’. I was 48, fit, healthy, a good weight. I ate healthily with no junk or processed food," he said.

“I felt a range of emotions from anger to sadness, but also relief that the growth had been found.”

County Times: He lost his hair, was fatigued and had ‘moon face’ from the steroids, but Carl insists it was all worth it He lost his hair, was fatigued and had ‘moon face’ from the steroids, but Carl insists it was all worth it (Image: Matthew Horwood)

In December 2022, Carl began the first of six cycles of chemotherapy, which he was told would reduce the chances of recurrence from around 40 per cent to single figures.

He lost his hair, was fatigued and had ‘moon face’ from the steroids, but he insists it was all worth it to reduce that risk of recurrence and to get well again.

After four months of treatment, Carl was declared cancer-free. This September marks two years since the diagnosis.

“There were times when I questioned whether I’d see 50 and get to take our trip (to Graceland), but here I am, fighting fit and ready for more moments and memories to come,” added Carl.

“Now I’m determined to do what I can to show my support. I hope I can inspire people across Wales to do the same. They could help bring hope and joy to more families like mine.”

Make sure you don't miss out on any of our news, sports and features. You'll see fewer adverts and enjoy great high street offers too. Just click here for your Powys County Times digital subscription.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, Emma Howell, said: “Around 19,800 people are still diagnosed with cancer every year in Wales.

"We’re working towards a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer and that’s why we’re calling on people across Wales to help us go further and faster in the fight against the disease.”

Donate now at cruk.org/donate.