I have a special guest in my home this weekend.  I only heard about him a couple of weeks ago when I was chatting to a stranger who asked me where I was from.  I said that I was born and raised in Huddersfield, England.  “That’s a coincidence,” he said, “I was in Ha Noi last week and I met a man called Derek who is from Huddersfield.  He has terminal cancer and he’s cycling round the world.”  He gave me Derek’s phone number, I rang him – and here he is, having a few days of relaxation before cycling down to Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr Derek

When he arrived he was full of praise for the journey from Hue which brought him over the Hai Van Pass, saying that when he passed the summit and got his first view down into the bay, and of Da Nang, he was struck with just how beautiful it was.  He should know!  As an award-winning former professional photographer he can appreciate a stunning landscape and he says he cannot wait to photograph Da Nang at night.  “The scenery and bridges here are marvellous, a photographer just could not ask for better,” he says.

As I was listening to Derek telling me his story, it soon became apparent that here was a pretty special individual.  At the age of 14 he was diagnosed with bone cancer and the doctors wanted to remove his left leg.  As he was a keen runner, his mother begged them to give him a chance and she was told that he would never run again.  The doctors also said that he would require a brace or crutches for the rest of his life.  Just 16 months later he ran his first marathon for charity around his home town’s sports field.  Incredible.

He was born into a very poor family and was one of eight children.  When he was very young his father deserted the family and Derek spent the majority of his childhood in care.  He told me that this turned him into the tough individual he is today, and it is the reason why he never accepts the status quo.  He likes to prove that the impossible is possible, and he has done this frequently. 

In 2005 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  This was successfully treated at the time but there were other complications and the following years were blighted by ill health, with the cancer returning more than once.  What made things more difficult was that in 2007 his wife, Caroline, developed breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy.  In 2009 she was diagnosed with secondary stage cancer and told she had just 12 months to live.  She died very suddenly nine weeks later. 

Understandably, Derek fell into a deep depression which stayed with him through the following years.  In 2010, he was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer and was told that there was no cure.  Did he give up?  No – he did some research on the Internet, and discovered that a revolutionary new treatment called cyber knife was available privately in Harley Street, London.  To pay for the treatment he had to sell his home, but for the following 2 years he was free from cancer, although it had left him with only one working lung.  Then, in October 2012 his cancer returned once again – this time to his prostate and remaining lung. 

Told that his cancer was now terminal and treatment would only probably slow the disease, he chose not to have any more.  Instead, his depression lifted and he decided to fulfil a lifelong dream.  He told the doctor he would like to go cycling.  The doctor said that this was a great idea, and could be beneficial.  He asked Derek where he would go.  “Oh, I thought I’d cycle the roof of the world (Pamir Highway) and on into the Himalayas” replied Derek.  A wry smile crossed the doctor’s face and he said “Derek, I know you’re tough, but you really need to choose an easier challenge.  In 12 to 18 months’ time you may not be here and you certainly won’t be able to cycle at altitude.  What you are suggesting is quite simply impossible.”  Three weeks later Derek gave away all his remaining possessions and set off on his cycle journey around the world.

He did do the impossible, and rode the Pamir Highway - the second highest road in the world.  His journey is a catalogue which proves that anything is indeed possible if you believe.  He has cycled through 28 countries so far, had an accident where he almost died, and has been robbed 3 times.  Not once did he think of  giving up.  He has become an inspiration to many people (including me).  He frequently visits cancer patients and refuses to accept the accolades he is given.  “I’m no hero,” he says, “I simply want to show others that being told you have an illness should not stop you living an active life.  Enjoy the time given to you to the full, as life should be an adventure.”

Derek is a reserved and modest individual, and is very reluctant to ask anyone for help.  He exists on what many would describe as an impossibly low daily budget of just five dollars a day.  Reluctantly, he has added a donate button on his website - http://www.dereksbiketrip.com - because his funds are almost gone.  “If someone donates just the price of a coffee, I can inspire others for another day,” he says.

Derek – it has been a privilege to meet you.  I wish you sunshine through all your days, and smiles and good fortune through every doorway.  Have a few coffees on me …

A TV interview with Derek will be shown on VTV4 at 9.30pm this Sunday night in the programme Talk Viet Nam.

(Written by Carole Kendal)