A RETIRED steel worker who survived a double cancer diagnosis has praised his wife, his GP and surgeons at his local hospital for giving him a new lease of life.

A year ago Maurice Grayson, 70, from Easington, near Saltburn, east Cleveland was finding it difficult to swallow food when his wife insisted he should see his doctor.

Because his GP immediately suspected it might be cancer the grandfather-of-three and great-grandfather of one was quickly referred to a specialist at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

After a series of tests doctors found he not only had cancer of the oesophagus but he had a tumour growing on his bowel.

At first there was some doubt whether surgery was an option but in November last year it was decided to go ahead and surgeons successfully removed both cancers.

The father-of-two not only survived the gruelling surgery but is now recovering well.

Mr Grayson, who is looking forward to celebrating his golden wedding anniversary on May 25, said: "I wouldn't have gone to the doctor if it wasn't for my wife. Early diagnosis is the crucial thing."

He thanked his GP for referring him so promptly and said the care he received at James Cook University Hospital was "marvellous."

He had particular praise for consultant Dr Nicholas Wadd and surgeons Mr Samuel Dresner and Mr David Macafee.

"Everything they have done at James Cook has been really good," he added.

His family have responded to the great care provided at James Cook Hospital by organising a number of fundraising events.