Adrian Sudbury has been a reporter for both the Huddersfield Express and Chronicle Series and the Huddersfield Examiner. In November 2006 the 25-year-old was promoted to digital journalist, effectively editing the new-look Examiner website.
Just two days into his new role he became seriously ill and called in sick. A week later he drove himself to A&E and was eventually diagnosed with leukaemia.
It was then identified that he actually has two distinct types of the disease running at the same time. According to the medical literature he is the only person in the world to have this condition. As such, it has not been possible to offer Adrian a prognosis.
Here he shares his experiences of the disease and his treatment.
THANKS FOR VOTING - POLLS NOW CLOSED
Incredibly Baldy's Blog is a finalist in an international competition - the results will be announced in Las Vegas early Friday morning (UK time). Crazy isn't it?
I think the award will go to the blog with the most votes so if you have enjoyed reading my posts please get voting. You can vote once a day. There is no prize - and it would be too risky for me to fly to America - but it sounds like fun!
Please just click on the logo and vote as much as you can. The blog is a finalist in the best medical/health issues section.
Best wishes to you all, Adrian
Comments (42)
Congratulations again Ad! I shall be voting as many times as I am allowed, just as soon as the polls open...
Love ya loads
Tom
xxx
PS if you're not going to Las Vegas can I accept the award for you... No, OK it was worth a shot!
Posted by Tom Ward | November 1, 2007 9:59 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 21:59
Hi Adrian. I am a friend and work colleague of Ian Macbeth. He told me about your site and I finally got around to reading it tonight. I stated at 8pm and her it is 1.30 in the morning and I couldn't stop. You are inspirational. I wrote to Ian and told him so, but I was also touched by your search for God when you were in isolation and the black time you faced. I am not a religious freak but I do believe that God lives in each of us and he is in your soul. So don't look outwards to see Him, look inwards - to your strength of character, your humour, your inteligence and your love of live, and there you will find God. He radiates from every word you write. And although some people reading this may not believe in God, they will undoutedly be inspired - and that in itself is Gods work.
You are an amazing person. Thank you for sharing your experience, thank you for your honesty and most of all, thank you for spending your precious time putting the blog together for the world to share.
All the best
Sue
Posted by Sue Philbin | November 2, 2007 12:31 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 12:31
Hi. You've got my vote, too.
I get to Holmfirth occasionally but boyf usually comes up to my place weekends. He's been great with all this cancer nonsense - shares my sense of humour - called me Uncle Fester when I was a baldy.
Working on the Echo is OK. Managed to get to work between chemo sessions (couldn't afford not to - sick pay scheme is rubbish). My colleague was a star - only 2 of us in district office, so a lot of extra work fell to him.
When you're pulled round, get yourself up to Richmond and I'll buy you a pint.
Jill
Posted by Jill | November 2, 2007 2:37 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 14:37
Congratulations Adrian!
Even if you can't go to collect your awad, you defin itely deserve it.
love, Jacquie
Posted by Jacquie Roeder | November 2, 2007 3:29 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 15:29
Good Luck Adrian
Posted by Jenny Lewis | November 2, 2007 5:19 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 17:19
Hi Adrian
These blogs are getting international recognition - well done!
Like Tom,if you need anyone to collect on your behalf??!!
Hope you`re feeling ok and that everything is progressing as expected.
Good wishes as always to you and your family.
Liz
PS The Nantwich YFC calendar is being launched on 7th December - have seen results which are hilarious!
Posted by Liz Boffey | November 2, 2007 7:41 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 19:41
Good blog you got going here. Keep it up!
Posted by John | November 2, 2007 8:51 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 20:51
Dear everyone,
Thanks for the comments and please keep voting over the weekend and into next week. This award has been lots of fun - would be great if the blog could win it!
Sue - I hear you are in New Zealand. Amazing that the blog is being read over there. Thanks for such kind words.
Jill - Always up for a pint, especially while I'm on steroids. Uncle Fester!? My family call me the Face of Bo from Dr Who.
Liz - Thanks again. Is there a link to the calendar yet? Would like to include it somewhere in the blog when it is available. Feeling good at the moment all this voting business has been really good fun.
Jennie, Jacquie and John - Thanks ever so much for your support.
Kind regards,
Adrian
Posted by Adrian | November 3, 2007 5:42 AM
Posted on November 3, 2007 05:42
I shall be voting for you Adrian and forwarding your dad's message to all the staff at Newark High, as I have done your blogs.
You are an inspiration.
Jenni
Posted by Jennifer Page | November 3, 2007 9:53 AM
Posted on November 3, 2007 09:53
Dear Adrian,
Came across your site via the WebBlog award page. Congratulations on the nomination--you deserve it in more ways than one. From a fellow website / internet health site/admin, wish you the best in your treatment and all the best.
-ihealthcommons
(Garry, Admin @ www.ihealthcommons.com)
Posted by Garry | November 3, 2007 1:21 PM
Posted on November 3, 2007 13:21
Dear Jenni and Garry,
Thanks very much for both those comments. Really appreciate them. It's strange how this blog just keeps growing and spreading around the place.
Posted by Adrian | November 3, 2007 2:07 PM
Posted on November 3, 2007 14:07
Hello Adrian,
I am a colleague of one of your friends, who is a Physiotherapist.
First of all, good luck with your further treatment of the cGvHD and your recovery of all you have been through over the last year.
The blog is you are writing is truly inspiring and an eye-opener. I am sure your blog will not only be a great support for cancer patients and cancer survivors, but hopefully also will make some 'healthy' people realise that they have nothing to moan about...Your story and the way it is written reminds me a bit of Lance Armstrong's book 'It's not about the bike'...
I am sure you will win this year's weblog award for best medical/health issues section and many awards after this one, for many years to come...
Good luck!
Stefan
Posted by stefan verstraelen | November 3, 2007 3:11 PM
Posted on November 3, 2007 15:11
Adrian, what great news, I have voted for you. Cannot vote more that once I think I will try again tomorrow!!!
Dawn xx
PS the last time I looked you were in the lead!!
x
Posted by Dawn Aldridge | November 3, 2007 6:36 PM
Posted on November 3, 2007 18:36
Hi Ad,
As promised, here i am voting away like mad, just like a box of frogs.
Good luck and i'll speak to you soon.
Loads a love,
Row.
Posted by Rowena | November 3, 2007 6:47 PM
Posted on November 3, 2007 18:47
Hi Adrian,
So good to talk to you today, glad Auntie Barb is feeding you up.
Lots of Love,
Auntie Sheila, Uncle Jim, Bob, Di, Rick, Julie, Jack, Alice and Harry.
XXXXXX
Posted by Mrs. Diane Thomas | November 4, 2007 10:10 AM
Posted on November 4, 2007 10:10
Best wishes Adrian
Posted by Anonymous | November 4, 2007 10:26 PM
Posted on November 4, 2007 22:26
Hi there Adrian,
All the best, Good Luck....Hope you win !!!!!
Cheers Nikki
Auckland
New Zealand
Posted by Nikki Marsh | November 4, 2007 10:27 PM
Posted on November 4, 2007 22:27
Thanks for all these commments. They are really kind. Feels like the blog is buzzing at the moment.
Winning or not winning this award in Las Vegas doesn't really matter - it's just great being part of it and having a whole new project/distraction to engage with. It's great fun and I'm really enjoying it.
Everyone who is voting thanks so much. Let's see if we can go all the way!
Adrian
Posted by Adrian | November 5, 2007 1:30 AM
Posted on November 5, 2007 01:30
Adrian
Just to say you have my vote, you are an inspiration to us all.
Good luck!
Amanda
Posted by Amanda Lane | November 5, 2007 1:17 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 13:17
Best of luck x
Posted by Carla May | November 5, 2007 1:23 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 13:23
All the best mate and keep your chin up..
Raman
(ex Liverpool Uni convict!!)
Posted by raman chettiar | November 5, 2007 2:42 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 14:42
An inspirational account of finding one's inner strength and courage.
Best wishes
Deborah Stevenson
Posted by Deborah Stevenson | November 5, 2007 5:51 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 17:51
Hi, used to work for your dad and have been following your rough ride for a while. good luck for the future, keep fighting.
Posted by lesley | November 5, 2007 7:19 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 19:19
Found out about your blog through your Grandmother in Notts, I will pass on the word, you might get some votes as far as Venezuela. Good luck!
Posted by Paola | November 5, 2007 11:40 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 23:40
Hey there Adrian
Congrats on this nomination! Awesome :-) I just love watching those voting numbers climb....... may they keep on.
Seriously, well done, Adrian. You really have done a wonderful job with this blog. I hope you win.
love and light
Annie
Steven's mom
www.livingwithcml.blogspot.com
Posted by Annie | November 6, 2007 2:13 AM
Posted on November 6, 2007 02:13
To infinity and beyooooooooooond!
Posted by Nick Bavin | November 6, 2007 5:34 AM
Posted on November 6, 2007 05:34
Good luck Adrian - your blog has been an inspiration to many. It has been a pleasure looking after you whilst undergoing your treatment on ward P3.
Staff Nurse Sue
Posted by Sue Simpson | November 6, 2007 4:33 PM
Posted on November 6, 2007 16:33
Hi Adrian
I am a friend of a colleague of yours, Anne-Marie Bradley who pointed me in the direction of your blog, and I just wanted to say good luck with your treatment and the awards!
I have just started working in oncology at St James's in Leeds and am relatively new to this area, but so far I have never failed to be surprised at people's bravery and resilience in the face of such adverse circumstances. You are no exception and your positivity is truly inspirational.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
Serena
Posted by Serena McCluskey | November 7, 2007 7:54 AM
Posted on November 7, 2007 07:54
I've voted!
It was a pleasure to meet you, and subsequently read the blog. It's a great read, and I'm sure it'll be a deserving winner.
All the best
Toby
Posted by Toby | November 7, 2007 12:44 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 12:44
Not only did I vote, but your blog also motivated me to get on the donor register -- thanks for educating us on this important issue and best of luck, both with the competition and getting better.
Posted by Anonymous | November 7, 2007 2:34 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 14:34
hopefully the bloatiness hasn't stopped you sporting your mask
Posted by Jordo | November 7, 2007 3:41 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 15:41
Hi Ade,
Andy's brother here in Shropshire. I have voted and chasing more down by the day.
Mark H
Posted by Mark Hunter | November 7, 2007 10:44 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 22:44
Hi AD
Just voted for you and just wanted to say... I struggle to find the words to say how much I'm routing for you but, I'm so glad you found the words to express to the world how you feel. Take the amount of people who write on this blog and triple it and you're no where near the amount that you have touched.
Keep writing, all the best.
Kay - (I knew you at bilborough college, and there are plently more I'm sure!)
Posted by Kay | November 8, 2007 11:15 AM
Posted on November 8, 2007 11:15
good luck
Posted by gemma | November 8, 2007 3:03 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 15:03
I've never had the pleasure of meeitng you but your courage, determination and spirit is a lesson for us all - I feel privileged to have read the story of you journey. xx
Posted by Ailsa MacRae | November 8, 2007 3:13 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 15:13
Hi Adrian,
keep up the great work
hope you win
best wishes Rob
Posted by Rob Birnie | November 8, 2007 8:17 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 20:17
Hi Adrian,
I'm Laura; a friend of your friend Ben Hunter! I just wanted to say good luck with your treatment. I'll definately be voting for your blog, your amazing courage and sense of humour shine through.
xx
Posted by Laura | November 8, 2007 8:51 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 20:51
Hi Addy, Hannah told me about the blog competition. So you may have had loads of foreign dentists voting for you! They all voted for you - and it looks as if you have won - but the best thing is they all read your blog - and think you are an amazing person. I have had swedish, polish, latvian, lithuanian, greek, portuguese, spanish, romanian, bulgarian reading your blog - the world is global! lesley (hannah's mum)
Posted by lesley Maslen | November 8, 2007 10:33 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 22:33
Congrats on winning. Our whole family voted for you!
Best wishes
Georgia Blatherwick
Posted by Georgia Blatherwick | November 9, 2007 7:03 AM
Posted on November 9, 2007 07:03
Hi - you don't know me but after hearing you on the radio this morning I felt compelled to come and visit your site and am trying to find the voting bit........
Although I have never been through anything like you have I have to say I found you truely inspirational, your outlook is amazing and I am sure you will have helped so many people, you said something about playing the cards you have been dealt (one of my nan's says it was lovely to hear it again!) and I feel you are playing a blinder, I wish you well for your future.
I too have had to have blood transfusions and will be eternally grateful to those people who give blood.
Good luck (if luck has any part to play), best wishes and here's to a long and happy future.
Posted by Brigette | November 11, 2007 6:58 PM
Posted on November 11, 2007 18:58
Hi Brigette,
Thanks ever so much for those comments. I couldn't believe the speaker before me could be so against blood transfusions.
There seems like few greater acts of genuine altruism left in the world - not to mention the wonderful lady in Germany who donated some of her bone marrow to me - it just seems such a strange attitude to take.
I respect all faiths and beliefs but if this year has taught me one thing it's that life is precious and sacred- that has to override any belief. I'm lucky to be here today and some of the fiends I have met on P3 are not.
It really upsets me when I read about people losing their lives for no good reason.
Best wishes to you,
Adrian
Posted by Adrian | November 11, 2007 7:00 PM
Posted on November 11, 2007 19:00
Hey guys,
Was wondering if any of you are part of any free dating sites?
Ive been researching and looking around for all the best free dating sites to join.
A lot of free dating sites are free, but you need to verify your age with your credit card which a lot
of people aren't comfortable with.
Ive found a site that lists all the free dating sites where you dont need credit card at all.
Just simply your name.. age.. email.. and your good to go!
Posted by samantharob | February 15, 2008 6:23 AM
Posted on February 15, 2008 06:23