Professor Saroj Das, a leading consultant vascular surgeon at Imperial College London, has signed up to take part in this year’s Moor Park 10k to raise funds to thank Mount Vernon Cancer Centre for their care during his treatment for cancer.

Professor Das, who has worked in the NHS since 1984 and as a consultant vascular surgeon since 1994, was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach in 2019 and further investigations showed it had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.

After chemotherapy and surgery to remove 80% of his stomach and the left lobe of his liver, Professor Das started his recovery alongside further chemotherapy. Three months later, however, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine. Professor Das experienced excruciating pain in his spine and was left completely bedridden.

Pain management therapy eventually enabled Professor Das to stand again, allowing him to have radiotherapy on his spine but the situation was not looking good as he hadn’t responded well to the chemotherapy.

Mark Harrison, Professor Das’s oncologist, then suggested a new immunotherapy drug, Nivolumab.

Professor Das received the drug every two weeks for over two years. His condition was closely monitored with regular blood tests and CT scans and although the treatment was discontinued in June 2022 after it started to affect his kidney function, he has remained well without any recurrence of the cancer since.

Professor Das said: “I have put on weight, having lost 20kg after surgery, and I am back teaching at Imperial College London. I can now to walk 8-10km twice a week.

“It was a strange feeling at the outset having to be on the other side of the fence, but I quickly learnt to adjust and be a good patient.

“I enjoyed every consultation, investigation and procedure and the gentle care, the reassuring voices and the meticulous attention to detail left me with no concerns. The professionalism was palpable at every moment and the teamwork was carefully choreographed.

“I remain under the constant supervision of Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and I am doing the Moor Park 10k to thank the team for everything they have done, and continue to do, for me.”

To sponsor Professor Das, visit: www.justgiving.com/support-for-cancer-research and to sign up to Moor Park 10k, go to: www.moorpark10k.org.uk