Cancer survivor urges others to spot 'little symptoms'

Olly Wright, with his girlfriend Maisie Meale, was diagnosed with stage four cancer aged 21

A man with a tumour the size of a fist in his lungs is urging people to pay attention to the "little symptoms".

Olly Wright was 21 when he was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after initially visiting the doctor for a persistent cough.

A year on, having received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant, the now 22-year-old from Cosham, Portsmouth, is recovering at home.

He said the charity Teenage Cancer Trust "made his day" while he was receiving treatment and their support now he is home has been "amazing".

The marine engineer was two lessons away from finishing his training to become a helicopter pilot when he was diagnosed.

He likes to stay active by travelling and skiing, so being home recovering for the past three months has been a challenge.

He said: “I’ve found life after treatment one of the hardest parts.

“You have to make your life so simple and there's no structure like you have in hospital."

Mr Wright said everyone on the Teenage Cancer Trust unit in Southampton were "truly amazing"

Mr Wright is now waiting on results from a scan and "can't wait to get back up in the sky" to get his pilot licence.

In the meantime, he is urging people to give the "bigger picture" when they visit their GP.

He explained: "It’s not obvious sometimes when you have little symptoms.

"I originally went in for a cough, but I also had night sweats, a rash and generally felt very unwell.

"Painting a bigger picture for doctors may speed things along."

Nurse Nikki Clist has been with Mr Wright throughout his treatment

He said the Teenage Cancer Trust was "amazing" throughout his treatment at Southampton General Hospital and he has continued to receive help adjusting to life now he is home.

"They’ve always supported me emotionally and come visit and help with whatever I need, if it's counselling or there’s any appointments or test results that need chasing," Mr Wright said.

He added: "I couldn’t imagine it without them, there’s a lot of departments you end up falling under and they always know who to chase and tell me in a way I understand."

Mr Wright's outreach clinical nurse specialist at the charity, Nikki Clist, added: “Life changes for young people very quickly.

"Often, when you are going through treatment, your life almost becomes on hold and other people move on.

“Then you're suddenly expected to jump back into the life you had before, but it is very different and your outlook on life has changed completely. It can be really tough for people.”

Maisie Meale said "you’ve got one life and you have to live it"

Mr Wright is now looking forward to spending time with his girlfriend, Maisie Meale.

They said they are both aware there will be long-term effects, but they want to make up for lost time.

Ms Meale said: “We’ve learnt you’ve got one life and you have to live it.

“You can spend time worrying about things, it's natural to worry and you are going to feel paranoid sometimes, but really you’ve just got to, get out and live your life.”