Diagnosed when he was just 6, this is Matthew’s story. Starting with lots of headaches, he explains some of the side effects of being poorly, showcasing some very impressive sound effects to go with it. Despite feeling ill and having to face more radiotherapy, Matthew manages to look on the bright side of things…lots of time off school! Now older, Matthew explains how he understands his situation and the procedures which are taking place better than when he was younger. Proving himself as a great presenter and with all those “do-be-do’s”, Matthew is definitely giving Mr. Peter a run for his money!

Pharmacist Chris Salmen, located at the Royal Marsden Hospital, talks about his own experience with cancer and how this led him to become particularly interested in the drugs that were used to treat him. Starting with chemotherapy, Chris uses visual examples to represent the processes taking place when the drugs are at work, looking at the science behind it and how ultimately, this leads to the destruction of dangerous cells.

In the second of Nick’s films, we hear how, despite having his life turned upside down by treatment, he has tried to keep things as normal as possible, even managing a pint after his first chemo session! Soon realising a lifestyle change was needed however, Nick talks about how, as a nineteen year old, he got used to dealing with the side effects of treatment such as hair loss and a drastic change in appearance. During treatment, Nick explains how he grew to appreciate the good things in life and tried as much as possible to make good use of the days he felt better, in his words to “recharge the batteries”. Mentally, Nick describes how hard the battle with his emotions was and how it has made him a great deal stronger now he has experienced having cancer, offering some great advice on how to stay mentally positive.

Here we meet Nick, who, at the age of 18 during a football scholarship programme, discovered he had Ewing’s Sarcoma- a rare type of bone cancer. About to complete his 22nd radiotherapy session, we hear his story and the hardships of enduring treatment, living with cancer and trying to keep things as normal as possible. As well as the fear attached to having cancer, Nick explains how difficult it was to decide whether to go ahead with radiotherapy or take the recommended option and have his leg amputated. Unable to comprehend life without the use of his right leg, Nick decided to risk having treatment and states how he hopes it will be the best decision in the long run. With a positive outlook on things, Nick, accompanied by his friend Jeff, make the most of time spent in the waiting room and soon turn Nick’s crutches into something far more entertaining!

Diagnosed in September 2006 with a brain tumour, this is Jonny’s story. 8 months on and we hear about his long and hard journey in detail, as Jonny explains the nasty side effects of treatment and the various operations he has had to have. We get a sneaky peek at the ever appearing and spooky looking radiotherapy mask, now only used at Halloween according to Jonny! Spending a lot of time at home after having to miss college, a vast array of daytime telly was on offer to Jonny, Loose Women and Jeremy Kyle being personal favourites of his. Friends and family play a big part in Jonny’s positivity, as he explains how lucky he feels to have such a supportive network of people around him. After talking about his treatment story, we get to see a rehearsal take place at the Youth Theatre where Jonny and his sister attend and by the sounds of things, he can certainly reach those sparkling top notes!

Aged 17, diagnosed 7 years ago and blasting out of the stereo? S Club 7 of course! Lizzy is certainly all about the 7’s. As she tells her story, we hear about everything from radiotherapy to Teegan the dog, complete with a series of photographs taken at the time. Lizzy also explains how supportive friends and family were during treatment, especially her two brothers, who always managed to keep her entertained and in high spirits. A tour around Lizzy’s room highlights her love for dogs, mainly of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel kind! After hearing more of her story, it’s time to take to the water as Lizzy explains how after she was taught, it’s now her turn to teach children how to sail- both a fun and valuable experience.

It’s been nearly two years since Richard last made a film here on Jimmyteens, but fear not, he’s back in style with the epic release of “Mask Wars”…Darth Vader beware! A lot has happened since filming back on the dreaded D9 and Richard talks us through the latest on his treatment situation, with a 2 week course of precautionary radiotherapy on his head looming. After enduring intense radiotherapy previously, Richard reminisces about the last couple of years and prepares for the coming weeks of treatment. Day one of radiotherapy arrives and we’re not getting left behind! We get a guided tour, from house to hospital as Richard waits to get started, assisted by mum and sister, who would prefer to stay on the other side of the camera! As things progress, we follow Richard over the course of the next few days, as he takes a trip to the Wallace Cancer Care Centre and takes a well deserved break from the stresses of treatment in relaxing surroundings. As Richard finishes his last lot of treatment, he sits down for a nice cup of tea….hopefully planning his next film instalment!

In this latest instalment, Alice explains how she is feeling as she continues on with her difficult schedule, which is mainly tiredness and generally feeling “rubbish”. With an ongoing pain in her shoulder, Alice prepares for a review to get to the underlying issue, but soon finds out the real problem…shingles! Just as she thought things were sorted, Alice wakes up to a blinding headache causing her awful pain and an emergency trip to Addenbrookes is called upon where Alice discovers more than she bargained for when they tell her she has suspected meningitis. After having a series of tests at the hospital, meningitis is soon off the agenda as Alice discovers she has a head tumour, located on the surface of her brain, on membrane called the meninges. With more knock backs than even imaginable, Alice still stays inspirationally positive and has a strong plan of attack once more- five lots of high dose radiotherapy on her head and despite everything, still plans to take her exams…and organise a party for Friday night!

It’s all go go go as both radiotherapy and exams get underway and Alice prepares for the busy schedule ahead of her. With radiotherapy everyday for the next 4 ½ weeks, Alice explains how she can’t wait to get it all over and done with and get on with life as normal. On the foot front, a successful period of driving again without any pain fills Alice with bundles of confidence and relief at the thought of finally being crutch free. After missing it first time round due to previous treatment, an apprehensive Alice prepares for her maths exam and reports back after to tell us how it went… with complete success of course! A weekend away in London with friends at the Give It A Name festival comes as a welcome break from treatment and exams and gives Alice a chance to see some of her all time favourite bands play, even if a late night getting back home does cause sore eyes the next day! As Alice’s tough schedule of radiotherapy continues, she explains how treatment isn’t what’s worrying her most. In true Alice form, passing her exams and continuing with revision are her main concerns, even with the side effects of treatment causing her to feel tired and lethargic… leaving us wondering where she gets her energy from!

With exams just round the corner and radiotherapy about to begin, Alice is feeling the strain of having to deal with both school and treatment whilst still battling with the demon crutches! In her words, Alice explains how she could do with some “time out” to forget about things and relax without worrying about other complications. Walking has never seemed like such a luxury as Alice explains how important it is not to take it for granted and longs for the use of her legs once more. After a period of feeling down, Alice perks up after a very successful weekend of walking without crutches and despite it being a long process, is determined to be running around as soon as possible! As the foot in question is beginning to heal nicely, Alice takes the time to show us where the operation took place…a process which still makes her go a bit funny when she has to look at it for too long! In preparation for radiotherapy, Alice takes a trip to the hospital where a mould of her leg is taken, followed up by a heavy tattooing session…unfortunately for radiotherapy purposes only!

A hilarious animation by Peter Wilkinson, telling us the story of “Mr. Peter”, and how a trip to the opticians doesn’t quite go to plan when we are introduced to “Brian the brain tumour”. With a catchy soundtrack and his invisible girlfriend ‘Debs’ on his arm, he’s ready for anything. First stop, radiotherapy, where our favourite cartoon host gets a shock when he loses all his hair, although we soon discover bald is a very good look for Mr. Peter. After treatment is all over, as per usual, he just can’t stop singing about Debs…it must be love!

Meet 15 year old Gareth Parr from Hull, who, between some pretty impressive Baritone playing, explains how he has recently had a brain tumour removed followed by chemo, after a series of headaches. We get an insight of what it is like in the early stages of diagnosis as Gareth has to cope with side effects such as hair loss, however this doesn’t stop him from playing his pride and joy! We get a tour round the children’s waiting room as Gareth waits for radiotherapy, where he shows us all the mod cons of the day room- the comfy, bright orange sofa being a personal favourite!