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WHEN Jimmy Riley underwent surgery for a rare form of cancer, he was told that he would never be able to speak again.

Instead he was advised to learn how to use an electronic voice box or sign language.

But the 49-year-old former scaffolder, who lives in Pembrokeshire, has painstakingly taught himself how to speak again.

The keen biker was diagnosed with a rare type of head and neck cancer in April 2007 and underwent a laryngectomy, which removed his voice box and wind pipe.

The surgery was followed by a four-week course of radiotherapy. Jimmy, who lives in Neyland, was unable to eat for two months after the surgery and used a feeding tube during this time.

He was also left with a permanent stoma in his neck, which he breathes through.

“It was hard,” he said. “I’m dyslexic so I rely on my voice more than others. When people suggested I wrote down what I needed to say it was hard for me.

“I became frustrated with the electronic voice box as there was no expression and so I decided that I would learn to talk again.

“My speech therapist said I would have to work at it, so I did. I used to shout at things and make noises and then find out how to make them into words.

“After about three months I was able to speak after a fashion.”

Just as Jimmy was beginning to get his life back on track, doctors discovered another tumour in his neck in April 2008 and he underwent further surgery.

“After the first diagnosis I had stopped smoking and drinking and was living healthily and just getting on with my life,” he said.

“But after the second tumour I really thought I was going to die. That was when the depression kicked in and I started drinking heavily.

“Then the Macmillan nurse came to see me and asked me what I liked doing.

“I told her that I had always loved biking but that was out of the question now following my laryngectomy.

“But she then showed me the equipment that I could use while riding my bike. Biking helped me get my life back.

“My bike is also my legs – I can’t walk too far as I end up coughing and getting out of breath and so being able to use my bike to get out and about is fantastic.

“I also go on bike runs now and it’s good to get out and meet people.

“The Macmillan nurses got me back in the saddle again. It’s good to know that they are there for you after you get out of hospital and that you are not alone.”

Macmillan Cancer Support is today urging men to talk about cancer at the start of this year’s Cancertalk week.

The charity is specifically targeting men because it said they are often reluctant to ask for help, even though men are 40% more likely to die from cancer than women.

More than 9,000 men are diagnosed with cancer in Wales every year.

A survey for the charity found that one in three men would rather walk down the street naked or get their chest waxed than ask for help. And it also found that 30% were prepared to miss out on their favourite football game if it meant they didn’t have to speak out.

Cath Lindley, general manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “Macmillan has decided to target men because shockingly men are 40% more likely to die from cancer than women and are 16% more likely to develop it in the first place.

“Despite making up half the population, men can often be overlooked when talking about cancer.

“We want men to know that there is a wealth of help out there for them, whether they are directly affected by cancer or are caring for someone.”

The campaign is being supported by actor Ray Winstone, who said: “Men sometimes leave the talking to women when it comes to health concerns so it’s great that Macmillan is encouraging us men to get support.

“Cancer is really hard on the whole family, and being able to talk to someone who knows what they’re talking about, and can tell us what’s what, is brilliant.”

As part of the campaign Winstone and nine other celebrities have spoken about their most regrettable moments in a viral video produced as part of Cancertalk week.

Macmillan Cancer Support can be contacted on 0808 808 00 00 or via www.macmillan. org.uk