Proud to take part in special trial

The 74-year-old designer, artist and poet, who lives in Knaresborough with his partner Annie, had chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery to tackle the cancer which had spread to his liver.

But last June he also took part in a clinical trial to investigate the anti-cancer activity of a naturally-occuring virus called reovirus. This is linked with minor symptoms such as coughs and colds but research shows it can inhibit the growth of tumours and kill cancerous cells.

He was given five daily treatments with the reovirus before planned liver surgery in July as investigators sought to find out what impact the treatment would have on his liver tumours.

He said he had no hesitation in taking part in the trial, not just because it could help him, but what it could mean for people in the future.

"This was the only trial of its type in the world, but to know that I was able to take part in it because it was available close to me in Leeds made me feel really special," said Mr Jones, who has five grandchildren.

"As a Yorkshire man I am very proud that this great research is going on right on my doorstep."

He has responded well to the trial treatment and surgery and is back to his normal active lifestyle including dancing and sport.

Rob Adair, the surgeon who is co-ordinating the study, said he had made "excellent" progress and there was no evidence of cancer on his most recent scan.

He added: "It is only through people like William participating in research that we can trial novel and experimental treatments for cancer."

Latest results from the trial indicate "promising evidence" of anti-cancer activity in six patients treated to date.