A man who has battled cancer for 20 years has undergone life-changing surgery.

Just weeks ago, Michael Cumbers was racked with pain and unable to sit up or stand.

Now, in an incredible transformation, the 59-year-old bus driver is back behind the wheel of his car and even contemplating a return to work.

And he and his wife Hilary, of Browfield Terrace in Silsden, paid glowing tribute this week to Manorlands for its part in turning his life around.

Mr Cumbers spent ten days in the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice to receive pain management, and thanks to contact made by staff there, he subsequently underwent an operation at Leeds General Infirmary.

During the procedure, a large chunk of tumour was removed and metal rods inserted in his back.

Although the cancer isn’t cured, the couple’s future has taken on a completely new look.

“He’s doing absolutely brilliantly now – he’s thin and quite weak but can walk and drive the car,” said Mrs Cumbers, 57, a teacher at University Academy Keighley.

“Michael has got a new lease of life but it has changed my life as well, and if it hadn’t been for the wonderful care provided at Manorlands and the extra mile they go to, this just wouldn’t have happened.”

Mr Cumbers’ cancer began in his testicles, but by the time it was diagnosed, it had spread to his stomach.

He has undergone at least half-a-dozen major operations over the years, and has endured chemotherapy and radiography in a bid to beat the advance of the disease.

“Last year the tumour had come back and was eating into his spine,” said Mrs Cumbers.

“No one could do anything and his back was going to collapse. Painkillers were having no effect. He has an aversion to hospitals, having spent so much time in them, and when Manorlands was suggested he at first said no. But as his condition worsened, he was crawling and couldn’t sit or stand up, so he agreed to go into Manorlands about four weeks ago.”

She said all the staff were wonderful throughout his stay, and even after he had left, Dr Yousef Adcock – senior palliative medicine registrar – rang daily to check how he was.

“People always had the time to talk to Michael, and whatever you want they make you feel comfortable,” she said.

“During his hospital stays I could never get to see a doctor to find out what was going on, but at Manorlands Dr Adcock made a point of coming when I was there so I could hear exactly what was happening.”

Following his latest surgery, Mr Cumbers hopes to be back at work – with Transdev Keighley & District – as soon as September.

And his wife, who has been off work since February, is looking to return to the classroom.

Mrs Cumbers added: “There’s still some cancer attached to the back of his stomach heading towards his spine and there’s no more treatment as such, but we have been given an extra few years and we’re so appreciative of that.”