Dan Porter

In May 2005, Danny Porter was 31 years old. Fit, active, happy at home and work, his first son born just weeks earlier, suddenly his world was turned upside down.

Dan was diagnosed with a rare facial cancer and was facing a 24 hour operation.

Due to the inaccessibility of the tumour, the surgeon would have to access it from the top of Dan's head. This would involve a 'brain lift' further complicating the procedure. It would also involve the loss of his right eye and indeed most of the bone structure in the right hand side of his face including much of the roof of his mouth.

Dan resolved that he would take on the cancer, and beat it.

As Dan began his recovery he continued to help people when the opportunity arose. He did speaking engagements with the fee being a donation to a cancer charity. He also met with people facing similar procedures to try to support them and help them understand that even though they may be left with a very obvious disability, it need not impact on their everyday life.

Dan turned to fundraising. His first effort, a Charity Rugby Match, raised £20,000. A sponsored bike ride in 2010 raised a further £30,000. He also set up The Danny Porter Foundation which has already donated more than £60,000 to local charities.

Six years on Dan Porter is fit, active, and happy at home and at work. He is an inspiration to all who meet him and works tirelessly to help others fighting against cancer.

CR