A GRATEFUL former Kidderminster mayor has given his heartfelt thanks to NHS staff after he had a kidney removed following the discovery of a cancerous tumour.

John Aston was shocked to discover he had cancer after originally going to see his GP about a bad back he was suffering around three months ago.

But the 76-year-old said the care and attention he received from all staff at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital was first-class and he added he couldn’t praise the NHS enough.

Mr Aston, an independent Wyre Forest District Councillor, had surgery to remove one of his kidneys on Wednesday, August 1 before being released a few days later.

He is now awaiting test results to see if the cancer has gone or he requires more treatment.

Councillor Aston said: “It was a real shock to find out about the tumour but I’m very lucky it was picked up early.

“After visiting my GP, I was sent for scans. The results showed a cyst on one but the other kidney had a large tumour and they confirmed I had cancer.

“I went in for surgery to remove the kidney on August 1 and stayed there until Saturday (August 4) but I have to say the service I received from everyone was incredible.

“My surgeon Dr Paul Rajjayabun was brilliant and has been checking up on me. All the support staff and nurses were out of this world too – I really can’t thank them enough.

“Our NHS service is outstanding and I’ll be writing to the Health Secretary to highlight the quality of the treatment I received and the need to protect it.”

Although he is restricted by what he can do, Councillor Aston said he has already started going on walks in the town as well as checking in at the office of his Wollaston Office Cleaning Services firm.

He said: “While I was in hospital, the physio said he had never seen a man of my age undergo such a procedure and be able to walk up and down the corridor in a couple of days.

“I’m waiting for the results of tests now but generally I feel fine and I am back!

"Our group leader Councillor Helen Dyke has been fantastic and extremely supportive and I'm very grateful to her for that."

Councillor Aston did suffer some heart-breaking news, however, when he was forced to have his beloved 12-year-old border collie Shep put down shortly after he came out of hospital.

He said: “He was a beautiful, wonderful dog but he became very ill and was unable to walk and I couldn’t let him suffer anymore. I’m just glad I got to spend a few days with him after I got out of hospital.”

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We’re pleased to hear that Mr Aston had a positive experience in our care.

“Our staff in wards, departments and theatres across our hospitals work exceptionally hard day in, day out to provide the best possible care to all our patients.

“We’re grateful for Mr Aston’s feedback and will share his comments with our staff.”