In the March issue of etcetera I wrote under the heading ‘The Sound of Laughter is the Finest Music in the World’, that ‘laughter is part of the human survival kit’. Towards the end of last year I was diagnosed with having Cancer.

Those who’ve been there know the emotions when confronted with such – those who haven’t may think they know! I sought not to sink into self-pity as this is the most unloveliest of emotions. However, I did seek solace by immersing myself in humorous and nostalgic writing … and refuge in listening to Jazz and my 60s albums … Ottilie Patterson, Mose Allison, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Billy Fury, et al.

But nothing could evade the thought that Cancer is a lottery and my number had come up. Every moment of every day was dominated by this one single notion. During exploratory investigation and treatment my body was subjected to brutal assault … but the real pain was in my mind. Such is the paranoia born out of this ruthless, unknowable enemy. Days followed a pattern of optimism and despair that fellow sufferers will surely relate to. I’d sit in the garden with my pal, Spanner, who would lay by the chair looking up at me with her heart-melting ‘Walt Disney’ cartoon eyes. Dogs appear to be instinctive in their awareness when all is not right. Her presence was a comfort.

Whilst sinking a cold beer or two I would reflect on … delightful evenings spent with my wife, Christine, and daughter Sarah at the Nottingham Film Theatre followed by late dinner in a quiet side street restaurant … memories of stage shows seen or appeared in … the joyful companionship of village green cricket matches … and so on.

When I eventually received indications of all clear from the Consultant I knew this was no certain guarantee of a cure. That even in remission Cancer lingers like a house-guest from hell (and we had one of those here once, as well !). I’ve been well blessed having the spiritual support of family and good friends and the laughs we shared together. I fought assiduously against surrendering control of my body and mind to this evil force and it may be I’ve been somewhat successful … We’ll see !

In the meantime, I’ll carry on submitting my accustomed light-hearted articles laced with nostalgia to my dear friend Roger Lines and continue to seek out as much fun in life as I am able. As I said at the start, ‘laughter is very much part of the human survival kit’.

Reg Clarke, Moustiers

This left me with a bit of a lump in my throat but I was determined to print it. Reg is one of life’s good guys but as we know cancer is a disease without conscience or boundaries. Terry at the reclamation yard knows of a young child with cancer who fights on - pales our petty grievances and anonymous vindictive letters into insignificance. Very good to have you with us Reg... keep well. - roger