Man who had stomach removed is keeping fit

Aug 11 2009 By Leona Melius

Stephen Bishop

A Laleham man who had 80% of his stomach removed in a bid to beat cancer is staying healthy by running four times a week.

Retired banker Stephen Bishop, 65, had the operation in July last year as well as having part of his colon removed due to cancer.

He now exercises four times a week, and even took part in a 10km run around Staines in May where he beat his personal best time at 58.28 minutes.

Mr Bishop said: “The disease itself would have killed me, and I had great discomfort. I found it quite difficult to eat after the operation, but it became easier as the stomach started to stretch. Only having 20% of a stomach is a radical change from normal life.

“Keeping fit is proven and absolutely vital to well-being. You need to be fit for yourself because you don’t know what can happen. I believe building up my strength after undergoing such major surgery has really helped speed up my recovery. I am keen for people to know about these things because fitness is so important.”

Mr Bishop joined the Thames Club in Staines four and a half years ago to get fit for his impending operation, and after undergoing chemotherapy he was adamant to get back to the gym.

He visits the club four times a week, and he also attends a running club in the gym every Thursday.

His personal trainer Gary Kemish has set up a programme specifically for him, and advises him on what to do.

Mr Kemish said: “Stephen has managed to come back from a serious operation fitter and stronger than ever. I take my hat off to him. It just goes to show how important it is to keep fit and have a positive mental attitude when you are on the road back to recovery.”

Mr Bishop is currently training for a half marathon which he hopes to compete in the next few months.