A Manchester man who was told he had just a year left to live has now been given the all-clear from cancer after a groundbreaking drug trial.
51-year-old Robert Glynn from Worsley in Salford is a massive Manchester United fan, enjoys playing snooker, golf, and fishing, and previously worked as a welder before his health turn a took and he went to his doctor with a severe pain in his shoulder that was preventing him from sleeping properly, and eventually developing an infection in his gall bladder.
After several scans and blood tests, Robert got the got the devastating news that he had intrahepatic bile duct cancer back in August 2020 – in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the day before his 49th birthday.
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer – which is also known as biliary tract cancer – is a rare cancer that forms in the bile ducts inside the liver, with only around 1,000 people in the UK diagnosed with this type of disease each year, and only around 5% of people living for five years or more after diagnosis.
Sadly, not only is there a poor prognosis and few treatment options for this type of cancer, Robert’s cancer was at such an advanced stage that it was now in his liver and had spread to his adrenal gland too.
So, he was referred to The Christie and offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.
Robert Glynn from Manchester was given a year to live after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, but he is now disease-free thanks to a clinical trial at The Christie.
After showing an interest in taking part in the trial, Robert’s tumour sample was sent off for molecular analysis to check for any alterations, and it was found that his tumour had a high mutation burden – which means there was large numbers of genetic mutations in the cells – and this indicated that he may potentially have a good response to immunotherapy, which is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
Based on these results, Robert was recommended to start a clinical trial with an immunotherapy drug already-approved for use in the UK, combined with the standard chemotherapy.
The treatment was administered intravenously.
The immunotherapy treatment together with chemotherapy proved so successful that it helped shrink the tumour in Robert’s liver and adrenal gland, and meant he was able to have surgery in April this year, which miraculously found only ‘dead tissue’ and showed that treatment combination killed-off all the cancer cells.
Since the operation, Robert hasn’t needed any more treatment and his three-monthly scans show that he’s now clear of cancer.
Manchester man given a year to live now cancer-free after groundbreaking drug trial / Credit: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
“I wouldn’t be here today without the trial,” Robert reflects.
“When I was given the option to take part in research, I jumped at the chance. You do anything you can to extend your life… and it’s important to remain positive and not give up. It’s never over until it’s over.”
Robert said getting the all-clear was “overwhelming”.
He continued: “In an odd kind of way having the diagnosis has turned my life around.
“With my partner, Simone, we get out in nature and walk loads. When something like this happens you realise life is for living.”
Oncologists worldwide are now eagerly awaiting the results of the research into Robert’s case, as this, along with a further study with more patients, could lead to a change in the treatment of biliary tract cancer.
Featured Image – The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
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‘Midweek mayhem’ predicted on roads as UK prepares for 13.9m summer holiday getaway journeys
Emily Sergeant
This year’s summer getaway is expected to see the biggest number of midweek car trips made since records began.
Now that schools across Greater Manchester, and the rest of the UK, have either or are soon to break up for the summer holidays in the coming days, latest data released by The RAC has revealed that drivers are planning a whopping 13.9m journeys on UK roads before this Thursday (24 July).
Figures suggest that two million trips are planned today (Tuesday 22 June) when the majority of schools in England break up, with another two million each on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 respectively.
According to the figures, a larger number of drivers than ever are expected to head off on holiday at some point during the week, rather than waiting until the weekend to get away.
An additional 5.6m journeys are likely at some point between Monday and Thursday, but drivers haven’t decided on the date yet.
13.9m summer holiday getaway journeys are predicted this week / Credit: Peter Trimming (via Geograph) | Pxfuel
Following the midweek surge, the ‘end of summer term’ getaway weekend will be classically busy, it is predicted, with 2.7 million journeys planned on ‘Frantic Friday’ (25 July), the largest number of journeys on a single day, three million, set to take place on Saturday 26 July, and an additional 2.7 million trips expected on Sunday 27 July.
Again, 4.6 million are planned some point throughout the weekend on dates not yet decided, bringing the total number of journeys over the full getaway week to 26.9 million.
Data from transport experts shows that the ‘midweek mayhem’ predicted will likely cause delays across many major routes, starting on Tuesday 22 July when most schools in England finish for summer.
Both the RAC and INRIX are advising those setting off at the weekend to travel as early or late as possible, because traffic is expected to be at its worst through the middle of the day.
UK drivers are being warned to prepare for ‘midweek mayhem’ / Credit: Mike Bird (via Pexels)
This means that anyone getting away on Friday or Sunday should try to start their trips before 10am or after 7pm, while Saturday drivers should consider heading out before 10am.
“Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic, but this year we’re expecting ‘midweek mayhem’ as schools finish for summer,” commented RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender.
“We typically see a peak on ‘Frantic Friday’ when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned.
“To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours.”
Featured Image – Geograph
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UK’s ‘most dangerous’ road near Greater Manchester to undergo £7.6m safety improvements
Emily Sergeant
Snake Pass, what is known as the UK’s ‘most dangerous’ road, has received £7.6 million in funding to improve its safety.
The infamous road connecting Manchester and Sheffield – which is said to be used by more than 30,000 vehicles each week – is the highest road in Derbyshire, and is known for including a series of steep bends, twists, and blind junctions, hence being given the nickname of the UK’s ‘most dangerous’ route.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has allocated £7.6 million from its ‘Safer Roads Fund’ to improve safety along the 23-mile stretch of the A57 between Glossop and Sheffield.
Snake Pass is also, sadly, known for its frequent collisions data – with records indicating that, between 2018 and 2023, there were five fatalities, 62 ‘serious;, and 102 slight collision casualties.
Historical records also suggest that landslips have taken place along the Snake Pass for decades, with road closures dating back at least 90 years.
‼️Today, @transportgovuk has awarded £7.6 million from the Safer Roads Fund, to make major safety improvements to the #A57#SnakePass. We’ll be using the money to introduce major safety improvements along a 23-mile stretch of the A57 between Glossop and Sheffield. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/IrpmJpDfXl
Proposed safety improvements to be carried out include the installation of up to 10 average speed camera sites along the route, with speed limit reminder signs, and the improving the junction of the A57 and Manor Park Road in Glossop by narrowing the road so it reduces the time it takes for pedestrians to cross.
More pedestrian crossings will be installed at the Dinting Vale viaduct to provide a safer walking route to the railway station
Advanced ‘road restraint’ safety barriers, which are designed to prevent motorcyclists sliding under existing safety barriers and reduce potential injuries, will also be installed, alongside anti-skid friction surfacing at bends and existing collisions sites to help minimise braking distances.
Snake Pass will be undergoing to undergo £7.6m safety improvements / Credit: Geograph (via Wikipedia Commons)
Councillor Charlotte Hill, who is the Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways, and Transport at Derbyshire Council says Snake Pass is a ‘major tourist route’ and a ‘key economic connection’ for the North.
“We have already carried out a number of safety improvements along the route, but a more holistic solution is required to save lives and change road user attitudes and behaviour along this challenging stretch of road.
“Using our experience gained from similar challenging routes in the county, we will now be able to finalise our proposals for the Snake Pass, in readiness for a public consultation later this year.
Emily Sergeant -
30th December 2022 
