Wes Streeting MP announces he’s cancer-free and ‘back in action’
The Labour MP was diagnosed with kidney cancer in April, and stood back from his role in May.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Twitter/@wesstreeting
The Labour MP Wes Streeting has shared that he is cancer-free after a successful operation to remove a kidney following a diagnosis of kidney cancer.
The out gay MP, 38, said on social media he is now back at work and thanked those who had taken care of him leading up to and during the surgery.
He’s also thanked people for supporting him and his family.
“Count my lucky stars”
Posting a video on Twitter, the MP for Ilford North said he was pleased to say he was “back at work, fighting fit and cancer-free.” He continued, “I’ll be honest I wasn’t expecting anything like the overwhelming response that my family and I have received when my kidney cancer diagnosis went public.
“So, the first thing I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, is a massive thank you to everyone who got in touch,” then thanking family, friends, and those he’d never met but had offered support and their own experiences of cancer.
I’m over the moon to let you know that after a successful operation, I’m cancer-free, fighting fit and back in action.
Thank you so much for all of the support I’ve had in recent months. It has meant more than words can say.
Biggest thanks of all to the NHS. Total heroes. pic.twitter.com/iBo96ivVYL
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) July 27, 2021
He also thanked NHS staff at the Royal Free hospital and King George and Queens hospitals for catching the cancer early, for which he said he would, “count my lucky stars.”
He goes on to share that he has not had to have any chemo- or radiotherapy, again recognising how lucky he is. He finishes off the video message saying, “I’m back, back in action here in Ilford North working for my constituents and back in action in Labour’s Shadow Cabinet too.”
Streeting is the Shadow Secretary of State for Child Poverty.
In May he shared his diagnosis, which had come about as a result of going into hospital in March with a kidney stone. He said scans taken at the time had identified a lump, which was later diagnosed as kidney cancer. He also said he would be stepping back from his role.
It’s wonderful news and we wish Wes well!
The Attitude Body Issue is out now.
Subscribe in print and get your first three issues for just £1 each, or digitally for just over £1.50 per issue.
