Fundraising dad had throat rebuilt

Ten years after being told he would never do sport again - a fundraising dad-of-six is getting set for a 93-mile run.
Lynn Musson gives some encouragement to husband Neil who is in training for a 93 mile run along the Pennine Way in aid of Muscular Dystrophy.Lynn Musson gives some encouragement to husband Neil who is in training for a 93 mile run along the Pennine Way in aid of Muscular Dystrophy.
Lynn Musson gives some encouragement to husband Neil who is in training for a 93 mile run along the Pennine Way in aid of Muscular Dystrophy.

Neil Musson, of Brimington, only had years to live unless he underwent radical surgery to have his throat rebuilt, using muscle from his shoulder, after being diagnosed with cancer.

Following the 17-hour operation at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Neil of Lansdowne Road was told he would never drive, work or do sports again.

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The HCV driver said: “I wanted to prove them all wrong and went out and made sure I got a job.

“I try not to dwell on it too much.

“I’ve got such a great bunch of friends and family, they didn’t let me get down.

“I couldn’t have got through it without them.”

The 52-year-old, who lives with wife Lynn, 46, on Lansdowne Road, now believes he is the only person in the world to have a tattoo on the inside of his throat.

The flower tattoo, previously on his shoulder, was used with the muscle to rebuild his throat.

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He said: “If you shine a torch down my throat you can see it. After my operation a junior doctor took great delight in showing people my tattoo.”

Neil was given just five years to live after the surgery but over ten years on he is fitting fit.

He added: “I own a motorbike, have passed my black belt, play golf.

“I find that keeping a positive mind and keeping fit keeps me well.”

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The dad has already raised thousands of pounds for charity since his life-saving operation.

In August Neil will be supported by family as he runs 93 miles of the Pennine trail to raise even more cash which will be handed to the Muscular Dystrophy charity.