Ref. 30025-49When Marc Burden was told he faced months of painful chemotherapy to fight off a cancerous tumour one of his first thoughts was to get down to the gym.

It might sound an odd response to such devastating news but for Marc, 44, it was an obvious initial step if he was going to beat the disease.

The IT consultant, of Bevisland, Eldene, said he does not want his story to be a 'sufferer's chronicle'.

Rather he wrote some notes of his experience to share and show others that the 'Big C' need not automatically mean there is little hope.

He said: "What I want to show is that following the shattering news of being told I was suffering from cancer, there is always hope of coming out alive and well, and living to fight another day."

Last year Marc, who has a 12-year-old daughter, had an operation to remove a walnut-sized tumour that had appeared in his jaw line.

"Part of the tumour was aggressively cancerous," he said. "Given that I was outside the criteria in respect of age, general health and lifestyle, I was devastated at the news."

Following numerous tests and months of waiting Marc was told he had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and that he would need treatment.

In his journal he wrote: "First call was the blood test, where I have a sample taken and analysed before the chemo starts.

"Then into the day centre where you wait for the pharmacy to prepare the drugs a concoction of poisons designed to chase away the demons and hopefully, give you a new lease of life.

"A session like this can be harrowing, so I have a routine. I always walk to the hospital in my running gear, rucksack over my shoulder, so I don't give the impression of being ill this is for my benefit as much as anybody else's."

Marc's determination to remain fit even saw him at the gym on the evening following his first two chemo sessions. "My thinking is, think positive, dress and behave accordingly.

"Spring up the stairs and along the corridor. I don't have to think about this part any more, I'm on autopilot.

"It takes effort, determination and constant motivation, but getting into a positive groove is great for mind, body and soul.

"At this stage I don't know whether the cancer has gone, but I know I will have to go back for check-ups every few months, but I'm staying positive."

Les Slinn, his personal trainer at JJB Fitness, said he helped Marc get into the best possible shape before chemotherapy.

"When Marc approached me, it soon became apparent that his condition differed from the usual requests. He is well known by all staff and members and in his own words he is on a mission to cure himself, not only physically but also psychologically.

"He is a good role model for anyone else going through or about to go through chemotherapy, showing that by keeping fit most conditions can be helped."

Marc's final chemo session was being held at the Great Western Hospital tomorrow.

Alex Emery