Three time cancer survivor takes on Pennine Way to thank medics

The 67-year-old from Todmorden is preparing to take on the Pennine Way in under 21 days to raise money for three good causes.

Mr Crossland has been cared for by surgeons, chemotherapy nurses and colorectal specialist nurses at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and it has now been nine months since he has had a reoccurrence of the cancer.

He said: “I would like to thank all the dedicated professionals for their absolute excellence and their power of positive thought, self-belief and support throughout.

“This walk is just a little way of giving something back to the cancer units for all that they have done for me, my wife and our family.”

The proceeds from his walk will go to the Trust’s colorectal unit, its Macmillan unit and the Rays of Hope appeal at St James’s Hospital in Leeds which funds vaccine research for liver cancer.

Colorectal and stoma care nurse, Paula Pickersgill, said: “Richard has been through so much and still is a strong, determined and brave person. He is an inspiration to us all, and I would like to thank him for his hard work and for this kind donation.”

Mr Crossland was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer in 2009 and received treatment. Six months later scans revealed the disease had returned.

He had further radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by surgery. Last year scans confirmed the liver tumour was back and another operation was undertaken.

“Throughout this journey I have realised you can’t dwell on things, you have to have positive thoughts, and for me, those came from the three “F’s” – my family, my friends and faith,” he added.