DJ Johnnie Walker tells of his battle with cancer at Barts
WHEN veteran DJ Johnnie Walker returned from his honeymoon in India with stomach pains, he put it down to the food. But when his condition did not improve, he decided to get it checked-out. And a few months later, the Radio 2 presenter was diagnosed wi
WHEN veteran DJ Johnnie Walker returned from his honeymoon in India with stomach pains, he put it down to the food.
But when his condition did not improve, he decided to get it checked-out.
And a few months later, the Radio 2 presenter was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
He shocked his listeners by announcing the news on air before he gave up his drive-time show to start his chemotherapy in May 2003 at Barts Hospital in West Smithfield.
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"When you receive the news there is no amount of advice or preparation to prepare you for dealing with it" the 64-year-old said.
"It occupies every single waking moment and it is on your brain constantly. You think what is going to happen and what is it going to be like."
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During the two months of treatment, Mr Walker was hospitalised after each of the four sessions of chemotherapy.
And on Monday Mr Walker returned to the hospital for the first time since his treatment to see the new Barts Cancer Centre.
He added: "The hospital was in need of modernisation but the spirit of the place was fantastic.
"There is something that is very special about Barts.
"I don't know whether it is because of its amazing history. But the staff gave a tremendous amount of support and care that I will always be grateful for.
