A BARRY paramedic has swotted his way to science degree honours - despite suffering from cancer during his studies.

Inspirational Welsh Ambulance Service emergency medical technician (EMT) Adrian Cook, who was told his tumours were untreatable, took his final exam orally – five days after going to hospital for a check-up – and the day before his exam he discovered he had melanoma cancer.

Adrian has since set about tackling the disease and at a special ceremony at the Open University building in Cardiff on Thursday, November 20, he was awarded his paramedic science degree.

Adrian said: “Thanks to funding from the Welsh Ambulance Service I started my part-time study for the paramedic degree just over five years ago and I was meant to sit my final exam on September 17 this year, but I hadn’t been feeling well and ended up going for a hospital check-up on September 12.

“The day before my exam the results came through telling me that I had melanoma cancer.

“It was a bit of a shock to say the least. I was told that the tumours are untreatable and that it has spread to the lungs, stomach, liver and spine so on September 17 I took my final paramedic exam orally rather than written.

“There’s no denying that these past months have been a bit rough and I’ve been a bit up and down, but they’ve now found some medication for me which has helped stabilise things.”

Adrian began his career in the Welsh Ambulance Service around 20 years ago when he started as a volunteer car driver taking patients to their hospital appointments.

He then worked in Patient Care Services and went on to qualify as an EMT based in Barry Ambulance Station.

Around two-and-a- half-years-ago fitness fan Adrian passed all medicals, physical competency assessments and training, both internally and externally, to qualify as a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) EMT where he is currently in post.

Adrian, who lives in Barry with his wife Helene, said he was thrilled.

He said: “My ambition was always to become a paramedic, but I just didn’t seem able to get across the finishing line. It’s a wonderful feeling though and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“I can’t thank the management team at HART enough. They have been fantastic with me. Their form of management has been inspirational and at an active level I’d say their style is a blueprint for the way forward and for others to follow.

He added: “Believe to achieve is my motto. You have to believe in yourself and in your ability. If you do, then you have every chance of achieving what you want in this world. Keep your chin up and don’t be too despondent when things don’t go your way. I’ve had a difficult time of it these past few months, but that only serves to make receiving my degree even more special.

“Thanks to all who have supported me throughout the studying and during this illness, family, colleagues and friends - I hope I’ve been able to show to them what is possible.”

Adrian’s line manager, specialist operations manager Ben Collins said: “Adrian has been a pivotal part of HART since the very beginning. His enthusiasm and positive attitude has been recognised by colleagues who, in turn, have also adopted those same qualities. We at HART are all proud of him and congratulate him on a thoroughly deserved graduation.”