Cancer survivor pens her miraculous story (From Stourbridge News)

Cancer survivor pens her miraculous story

12:20pm Monday 13th October 2008

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A KINGSWINFORD nutritionist and cancer survivor hailed ‘a living miracle’ has published the inspiring story of her against the odds victory over the deadly disease.

Pat Reeves, of Bromley Lane, has spent the last three years writing the book entitled A Living Miracle - about her incredible battle back to health after doctors told her she would die from a brain tumour.

The gutsy 63-year-old world champion power lifter, who was given the terminal diagnosis 25 years ago, now aims to offer hope to other cancer sufferers by spreading the story of how - through nutrition, naturopathy and other natural techniques alone - she has managed to keep her cancer at bay, enabling her to stay alive and at the top of her sport.

She told the News: “I wrote this book to provide those newly-diagnosed, with a plethora of choices and the most practical and effective treatments I have personally used since my diagnosis many years ago.”

Pat - who was told in 1982 that her tumour was inoperable - turned her back on orthodox treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She said: “I’d spent ten years looking at what that does to you, because all of my family members have died from different types of cancer.”

Instead she ploughed every ounce of energy into finding out more about nutrition, natural cancer fighting therapies and how to boost her own immune system.

She added: “I have nothing against orthodox medicine - this is my personal choice.

“We don’t come from a prevention angle in the UK, from childhood it’s ingrained on us that when you get sick someone has to do something to fix you - but no-one fixes the body except the body.”

For her the natural approach worked and Pat, who was initially given just three to six months to live, enjoyed a ten-year reprieve - during which time she took up cycling, marathon running, and became a triathlete.

However in 1994 cancer struck again - this time osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

A second battle for life ensued and at one point she was told she had just two weeks to live - but Pat, now a grandmother-of-one, believes her holistic approach to healing has kept her going strong.

In her 228-page book the dedicated vegan talks more about her diet, which includes eating mostly raw and sprouted foods; as well as exercise, alternative therapies and how to prepare nutrient rich foods to boost the body’s healing capabilties. She also includes 100 live food recipes.

Pat said: “Statistics say one in three people will get cancer - and that number will come down and it will get even scarier.

“But if you boost your immune system and put these ideas into practice you’re chances of getting anything are a lot less.”

The book, which Pat hopes will be stocked by cancer support centres across the country, has already received glowing testimonials from health gurus.

Top UK nutritionist Patrick Holford described it as “an inspiring read for those facing cancer” and medical doctor and author Dr Mark Atkinson, called it “a wonderful treasure trove of health suggestions”.

Priced £9,99, A Living Miracle published by Pathfinder Paperbacks, is available from Pat’s website www.foodalive.org - anyone wishing to contact her can email pat@foodalive.org or call 01384 270270.

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