A regional daily editor is to chronicle his battle with cancer in the pages of his own newspaper after being diagnosed with a malignant throat tumour.
Dave Whaley, who has been editor at the Oldham Evening Chronicle for four years and managing editor since last May, wrote the first of his “Keep Smiling” articles yesterday, after doctors discovered the tumour on his vocal chords.
The 53-year-old, a non-smoker, said he only went to visit his GP when a croaky voice did not return to normal after a bout of ‘man flu’ but was taken by surprise when the consultant revealed it was cancer.
Dave will commence radiotherapy treatment later this month and has high hopes of beating the disease.
Said Dave: “I have been very fortunate. The voice change was an early indicator, and they have discovered it’s a T1 tumour, the lowest grade, so I have high hopes of beating this.
“The cancer team have been brilliant. I found out on April 30, 2014, and I will be commencing the first of 16 days of radiotherapy treatment before the end of May.
“Our newspaper did a massive amount of publicity with a campaign to raise cash to build a Christie Centre in Oldham, but it is always difficult to do stories on how it all works, because of patient confidentiality. Well I can waive that, talk to the staff treating me, and tell it like it is.
“Christie have kindly given the Chronicle access to do photographs, and I hope it will help people understand what goes on and what dedicated and brilliant people we have helping us when something like this happens.”
David added that “Keep Smiling” was something very personal as it had long been his family’s outlook on life, and that they too supported putting his battle with cancer into print.
“I told the staff here at the Chronicle, and within hours I had had calls from all over the country offering me their support. It’s good to know you have an army of support.”
Dave was appointed editor of the Chronicle in 2010 after ten years as deputy editor.
Educated in Oldham, he trained at the Chronicle and then spent 15 years at other newspapers, including the Lincolnshire Echo and the Birmingham Post and Mail, before returning to Oldham in 2000.
Sign up for our free daily email bulletin
Follow HTFP on Twitter
Got a story? Email the Editor at
Wishing you well Dave. To be critical though, surely you take photographs, not “do” them.
Report this comment
Best of luck to Dave. I hesitate to quibble over detail, but the pedant in me begs to point out that your report makes the so-frequent mistake of referring to “vocal chords”. They are vocal CORDS!
Report this comment
Really saddened and shocked to hear this about my former Post and Mail colleague, but reassuring to know it’s the lowest grade of cancer. Knowing Dave he will fight it all the way, so best of luck for your treatment and fingers crossed for you.
Report this comment
I’ve known Dave since 1992; a really good guy, a tireless worker, an outstanding journalist. A lot of people will be helping him get through this.
Report this comment
All good wishes Dave. I hope the messages of support you get, like this one, will help to support you in your fight. We’re all behind you.
Report this comment
Always sad to hear news like this but great to read about Dave’s attitude and approach. When in a similar situation, the wife of a colleague wrote a weekly blog for a Luton-based newspaper / website a few years ago. It was a compelling read and had a devoted following. The joy felt on her recovery extended well beyond immediate friends and family.
Best of luck to Dave.
Report this comment
“To be critical though, surely you take photographs, not “do” them.” – JP Cost Cut Victim.
How utterly pathetic.
Report this comment
You’ve got a lot of friends in the Midlands wishing you all the best, Dave. Hope all goes well.
Report this comment
JP Cost Cut Victim – there’s a time and a place for pedantry, and this really isn’t it.
Report this comment
As you rightly say, Dave, ‘keep smiling’. I’m sure your positive spirit will drive you through the next few weeks. Best wishes and catch up soon. Steve and family
Report this comment
Dave, I worked with you all too briefly at the Mail but in that short time realised you were tough as old boots… beat the x@$! out of it mate.
Report this comment
I only saw Dave last month and we were remembering great times at the Brum Mail. He was due for tests and I am really sorry they turned out to be positive. Nevertheless, Whaley is already showing the spirit which will see off the big C. Best of luck, pal.
Report this comment
Dave – from your time at the Argus and Mail in Brum I’d say if anyone can beat it you can. Everyone wishing you well.
Report this comment
Wishing you all the best Dave – if anyone can keep smiling and beat the bugger, you can.
Report this comment
Dave – I am shocked to read that others took offence at my remark. My initial comment is the salient one, wishing you well. With your obviously positive approach and ‘keep smiling’ attitude I did not think for one minute that I was being ‘pathetic’. I think it is better for life to continue as much as normal whilst on the road to recovery, so in being pedantic I didn’t think I was being offensive, just treating you ‘normally’. If I upset YOU I apologise.
Report this comment
Dave, awful news. What’s happening to us all? Is it our age? If anyone can beat cancer, you can pal and I know you’ll have many around you for support and many more rooting for you from afar! Good luck to a good man.
Report this comment
Good luck, Dave. All the best, Alf B
Report this comment
Top journalist, top bloke – everyone who knows you Dave will follow your campaign with much interest and wish you well in your efforts. If anyone can beat this it’s you. Keep strong – I know you will.
Report this comment
JP Cost Cut Victim seems to have no self awareness – his moniker itself an ongoing tiresome absurdity, particularly when placed against threads like this. Bet he’s not missed.
Anyway, all the best Dave.
Report this comment
Dave, Very best wishes for a full recovery to one of the good guys in journalism…as the other posts suggest, you’re the man to beat this.
Report this comment
Best wishes from all at the E&S, Dave. Look forward to reading all about you beating this.
Report this comment
No offence taken “JP CCV” and thanks for corrections and all the calls, emails and messages of support. Kep smiling!
Report this comment
Long time no see, but good luck and very best wishes, Dave. Thinking of you. If you need any inspiration about what an editor can do in a bed, try The Diving Bell And The Butterfly (2007) film.
Report this comment
I simply want to mention I am just new to weblog and certainly liked you’re blog. Likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You amazingly have remarkable stories. Thank you for revealing your blog site.
Report this comment