British opera singer Russell Watson broke down in tears on The One Show yesterday while reflecting on his cancer recovery. The English tenor, who has performed for the late Queen Elizabeth, President Bush and even the Pope, was diagnosed with a . Although he underwent successful surgery that discovered the tumour was benign, almost exactly a year later, a second, more aggressive second cancer was found, along with bleeding on his brain.
Now nearly two decades after his initial diagnosis, Russell shared his survival story with hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, who surprised him with a heartfelt message from his consultant, Mr Lackett. The medical professional said: "Seventeen years on from that brave decision to have the surgery, and look what a glittering career you’ve had in between," according to . "And I can’t tell you how much the team and I were so proud to watch you and your progress after that awful night when you were taken into hospital as an emergency.
"We’re thrilled for you. Well done, Russell." The heart-warming message appeared to send a wave of emotion through the 57-year-old who jokingly scolded the presenters, quipping: "Why did you do that?" Wiping away his tears, he then added: "What a man.
.. Just a beautiful human being, before adding: "I will be eternally grateful to him.
" Russell's challenging health journey is the focus of his new memoir, Encore, which is set to launch this week. It comes at a time when 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK, according to . Despite Russell's admission that his main symptoms were , the warns that tumours can cause a range of issues.
This includes seizures, feeling constantly sick, memory problems or paralysis on one side of the body. However, this can vary depending on the type of tumour and what area of the brain is affected. The NHS adds: "Sometimes you may not have any symptoms to begin with, or they may develop very slowly over time.
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