Sir John Hall: “I’m delighted with the outcome. It’s as close as I’m ever going to come to the all clear.
“It’s such a weight off your mind. I feel reborn at the age of 77 and I can start planning my life again.
“When you hear the cancer word you automatically put your whole life on hold. Now I feel I’ve got a future again.
“At my age the time the drugs will give me is enough.
“I realise how lucky I am, especially when you see some of the other patients with all the different types of cancer. Seeing their bravery is so inspiring.
"The facilities and treatment we have in Newcastle are incredible. The doctors and nurses have also all been amazing, we should be proud to have such a wonderful service in our region.
"I hadn’t realised the only remaining gap in the treatment available here is in the support patients and their families can get when they are trying to deal with the emotional side of cancer.
"I believe this new centre will be a great way to help deal with that."