Adrian Webb, a Birmingham father diagnosed with advanced skin cancer more than a decade ago, is now celebrating an extraordinary milestone: becoming a grandfather. Initially given only months to live after his cancer spread to multiple organs including his lungs, liver, spleen, bowel, and spine, Adrian’s journey is one of resilience and hope.
Eleven years ago, medical professionals told Adrian there was little to no chance of complete recovery. However, after participating in clinical trials and undergoing pioneering immunotherapy treatments, he achieved remission. Now 61, Adrian has recently retired early to help care for his six-month-old grandson, Teddy.
To commemorate this remarkable achievement, Adrian’s son, Josh, revisited an emotional video first shared in 2015. The original video showed cards indicating that Adrian would not see his 50th birthday, concluding with Adrian himself appearing on screen holding a sign stating: “I’m still standing.” The new version proudly ends with Adrian holding Teddy, accompanied by the message: “I’m still standing – and I’m a Grandad!”
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Josh shared the video on social media to mark the occasion of Adrian leading Birmingham’s 10k Shine Night Walk in Centenary Square on 4 September. He wrote: “Eleven years ago I made a video about my dad who was given 12 months to live after being diagnosed with skin cancer. A lot has happened since then. So I made a new video. Please watch to the end. Family is everything.”
Adrian will start the event that sees over 1,500 participants illuminate Birmingham’s streets in a wave of fairy lights and glowing face paint, raising funds for Cancer Research UK. The route passes iconic city landmarks such as Birmingham Cathedral, the Chamberlain Clock, and the Bullring.
Reflecting on his journey, Adrian said: “When I was told my cancer was incurable, I cried like a baby but then I picked myself up and focused on all the milestones I wasn’t prepared to miss. The first ones were reaching my 50th birthday and seeing my daughter Amelia graduate. Then I got to be best man at Josh’s wedding, which was amazing.”
He added, “I honestly never dreamed I’d come this far – becoming a grandparent was way beyond my expectations. To look at Teddy now and know that he’s a part of me is just incredible.”
Since his diagnosis, Adrian has raised thousands of pounds for cancer research. He expressed honour at being invited to lead the Shine Walk and encouraged others to join: “So many success stories like mine are made possible by the work of Cancer Research UK, so I hope people will consider signing up.”
The funds raised during the Shine Night Walk support a variety of cancer research initiatives, allowing participants to contribute to causes close to their hearts. Adrian’s journey began in 2012 when his wife Michele noticed a change in a mole on his back. Despite surgery and radiotherapy, the cancer spread by the following year.
“I remember asking the consultant if they were just going to leave me to die,” Adrian recalls. “When they offered a clinical trial, I jumped at the chance.”
Though the treatment came with challenging side effects such as fevers and aching joints, scans showed the cancer was receding. Eventually, tests found no detectable cancer remaining.
“It’s a bit like a miracle that I’m here now,” Adrian shared. “It’s all thanks to advances in research, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve been given. Not everyone is as lucky as me though. Around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands every year, so we must continue to support the scientists working to find new and better treatments.”
Paula Young, a Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “Shine Night Walk is an uplifting and unforgettable evening where hundreds of people come together to take on a unique challenge, make memories and make a difference for people affected by cancer. Thanks to supporters like Adrian and his family, we’ve helped double cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years. But with nearly half of us set to be diagnosed with the disease in our lifetimes, there is still so much more to do. Every step taken at Shine Night Walk helps create a brighter future where everyone lives longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.”
Those interested in further involvement can volunteer on the night to assist with the event’s logistics, meet others, and gain new skills. Registrations made between 17 August and 7 September receive a 30 per cent discount on the entry fee with code SNWAUG26.
Adrian’s story is a testament to hope and the power of medical research, inspiring many to support the ongoing fight against cancer.