A retired editor who was told he only had a 1-in-10 chance of living or five years or more after being diagnosed with cancer has written a book about his “miracle” recovery.

Nic Outterside, then aged 31 and living in rural Herefordshire, was first diagnosed with a fast-spreading malignant cancer of the right shoulder back in September 1987.

Eight months later, after two operation and six weeks of radiotherapy, doctors told Nic there was nothing more they could do, and was he given a one-in-10 chance of surviving five years.

Ten years of check-ups and scans followed until in 1998 he was eventually told he was officially “cured” in what his GP described as a “medical miracle”.

During a 28-year career in journalism, Nic was editor of the Argyllshire Advertiser, Buchan Observer, Galloway Gazette and Denbighshire Free Press as well as reporting stints at The Scotsman and Newcastle Chronicle.

He has now described his experiences in a new book entitled Soul Survivor – a cancer adventure.

Said Nic: “My cancer journey took in five hospitals: St Lawrence in Chepstow, Velindre in Cardiff, Llandough in Penarth, the Christie in Manchester and the Beatson Oncology Institute in Glasgow. The whole experience was roller-coaster and I met many people who I will never forget,” says Nic.

“Recently my GP, said: ‘Your story is what many would describe as a medical miracle, and proves that there is always hope’.

“But I also lost friends along the way, including my soul-mate Andrea, who was younger than me and succumbed to an incurable bone cancer in 1990, aged just 23.

“I still grieve for her, and this book is dedicated to the most life-affirming person I have ever known.”

He added:”I owe my life to the doctors and nurses and my family who have stood by me along the way. My story is for them and many others who have had their own brush with cancer.”

Soul Survivor – a cancer adventure is now available as a 6” x 9” paperback priced £8.99 on all Amazon platforms at www.amazon.co.uk/Soul-Survivor-adventure-Nic-Outterside/dp/B0CCCSD97X/ and at Waterstones online.