This time John comes over from Doncaster to Wirral to join John Cheek live n the Flame studio for an hour. From this hour three series programmes have been created. The conversation centres around John's current phase of cancer treatment (radiotherapy) and the detail of the treatment mechanism. This is not for the squeamish. But the conversation goes on to the reaction of people to the "C....." word and to the hope that John's strong Christian faith gives him on this painful path. Many people were praying for John as he battles through treatment.

This time John comes over from Doncaster to Wirral to join John Cheek live n the Flame studio for an hour. From this hour three series programmes have been created. The conversation centres around John's current phase of cancer treatment (radiotherapy) and the detail of the treatment mechanism. This is not for the squeamish. But the conversation goes on to the reaction of people to the "C....." word and to the hope that John's strong Christian faith gives him on this painful path. Many people were praying for John as he battles through treatment.

Making the most of the hospital transport (Sheffield's "Firefly"), not looking forward to the first burst of radiography, John muses on W H Auden's "night mail" poem, and then, relieved after the treatment, mimics a game of Cluedo. Please pray for John as he battles through treatment and faces another burst of chemotherapy. The ending music track is John's choice ... mine are days that God has numbered, I was made to walk with Him ... but mine is hope in my Redeemer, though I fall His love is sure, for Christ has paid for every failing I am His forevermore.

Struggling with his voice, in great pain, John sees a specialist who discovers the reason (a miniscule tumour) and recommends radiography "to save his life". In this programme John relates his experience of the treatment. THIS ACCOUNT IS NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. But John bravely battles through the treatment in fear and trembling. Again his faith helps as expressed in the Bible verse 2 Timothy 1 v 12 "But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure that he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with".

Struggling with his voice, John bravely relates two stories of how these programmes have helped people. John's road is still dark, and he has much pain and discomfort. But praying friends are a great help and John struggles on - 3 years after initial cancer diagnosis. What keeps him going ... we let you decide that ... but it is something to do with a living faith in Jesus Christ.

In this programme John pauses on the journey and reflects upon two stories of distant friends and new friends who John has been able to help along the way, by sharing his story via these podcasts. Music from For King and Country and Ana Laura adds a good touch to this programme. 

Medical results after 6 months of chemotherapy cause mixed emotions. The road is still dark, and praying friends are a great help, but a limited help.  The music says ... "When you're on your knees and answers seem so far away ... you're not alone, stop holding on and just be held" ... Just be held (by Casting Crowns), So John is trying to hold on, and the journey is not easy. And at that point John chooses to continue to trust God in all of this, and just to be held by the Lord through these days.

An intense headache that will not go away - not the easiest thing to cope with when trying to think and talk in a coherent way. A reminder that when on the journey with one thing, other things press in. How do you cope when this happens ... John's answer is reflected in the music track It is well which points back to a God who is always there, even when we do not think so.

Christine makes her debut on radio - a live broadcast from a Friday in June 2019, as part of the Flame Radio anniversary celebrations. How life with God often leads s to places and activities that we'd never expect to participate in!   The Casting Crowns track "Here's my heart Lord" summarises how John and Christine feel with regards to their commitment to this broadcast series. 

Do you feel like no-one cares? How chemotherapy can be a journey in itself - and how John rang 'that bell' as the 6 months of chemotherapy ends . Joy, tinged with sadness; Hebrews 11 and 1 John 4; perfect love casts out fear.