OVER the years of writing to HAS, I have read complaints about me and also letters of support. I may, at times, come across as an idiot, but deep down I am a normal chap with a strange sense of humour.

It has got to the point now where I feel I must explain myself. A few years ago, I had testicular cancer. While in the middle of my chemotherapy treatment I caught pneumonia and nearly died. Thankfully, Dr Adrian Rathmell and his staff at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, saved my life.

Lying in my hospital bed at night, I vowed that if I ever recovered I would live life to the full, try to wear a smile on my face every day, have a laugh and help people as much as I can.

Some of my letters can border on the insane, but if you do not like me or my humour, please do not read them.

It saddens me that there are healthy people out there who have no humour at all.

For those with the same dreaded illness that I had, you are in my thoughts and have my best wishes. I hope you, too, may be able to smile once your treatment is over.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.