CANCER patients have been inspired by the story of a man who survived a rare cancer and multiple organ transplant at a wellbeing event.

Adam Alderson, from Wensleydale, is one of very few people in the world to have survived the 17-hour operation which required 30 cancer specialists, including two eminent surgeons from Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, to remove a 10kg tumour.

The event, organised by Pelican Cancer Foundation, heard how the 37-year-old fundraiser had defied the odds by surviving an eight organ transplant for a rare form of cancer, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP).

At one point, Mr Alderson was told he was just weeks away from death, but was saved after surgeons at Basingstoke agreed he was suitable for a transplant at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital, where he had pioneering surgery in 2015.

Mr Alderson's stomach, small bowel, large bowel, pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, appendix, abdominal wall and most of his liver were removed before multiple abdominal organs were transplanted into him.

He told patients how he leads a full and active life, is now married and has taken part in the 15,000 mile Mongol Rally with the aim of raising over £30k for charity, while also raising awareness of his condition and cure and promoting organ donation.

Mr Alderson, from Leyburn, was treated by Basingstoke surgeon and PMP specialist Brendan Moran who had been working on more progressive treatments of the disease at one of only two centres in the UK.

Basingstoke peritoneal malignancy specialist surgeon Mr Tom Cecil, who also operated on Mr Alderson, spoke about recent developments and research at the wellbeing event.

Other topics included quality of life, nutrition, exercise and psychological wellbeing for PMP patients.

Patients commented: “The event helped me to gain a personal perspective and provided positivity for the future. All the talks gave a valuable insight, but Adam’s story was amazing and very inspiring.”

Another added: “I now feel reassured that I am in the hands of a team of people who are clearly dedicated and passionate about saving lives.”

Pelican chief executive Sarah Crane said: “As a local charity which helps fund vital research and education into bowel and prostate cancers, we were pleased to facilitate the Peritoneal Malignancy Institute’s wellbeing day for cancer patients. We received a very positive and encouraging response from those who attended.

“Adam’s talk was extremely moving and inspiring to hear how he had fought for the best treatment, recovered and gone on the achieve so much.”

To find out more about the Pelican Cancer Foundation, visit www.pelicancancer.org.