Boy with cancer, Jake Bailey, who gave inspirational Youtube speech now in remission and heading to university

'The thing about facing death is that you get to rethink exactly who you are'

The head boy of a prestigious New Zealand school, who gave an inspirational YouTube speech shortly after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, is now in remission.

Speaking for the first time since learning of his remission in January, Jake Bailey has revealed his plans to go to university and his hope to inspire others undergoing their own challenges.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Bailey said: “For the last three months I have undertaken intensive chemotherapy […] I am now fortunate to be able to announce recent tests show my treatment has been successful and I am officially in remission”.

Mr Bailey made waves across the internet after giving a speech from his wheelchair at Christchurch Boys' school’s prize giving ceremony in November, just days after being diagnosed with Burkitt’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In his speech, he explained his diagnosis put his original address in to a new context. Quoting Jim Rohn, an American motivational speaker, the 18-year-old explained: “Here’s the thing, none of us get out of life alive. So be gallant, be great, be gracious and be grateful for the opportunities you have.”

Following his words students performed an emotional haka and Mr Bailey’s words resounded across social media. A recording of the speech posted to YouTube has received 1.6 million views.

Three months on from the address, Mr Bailey says he plans to study law and commerce at university next year after spending time recovering at home. During this time he wants to use his experience "to help young people or others who are facing challenges by telling my story".

Despite entering a period of recovery, Mr Bailey explains his extensive chemotherapy has taken a “huge toll on his body” as well as leaving him with “ongoing issues”.

“Sometimes I feel more like I’m 81 than 18. But I’m just glad to be alive,” he says.

Speaking of his decision to make the speech despite his illness, Mr Bailey said it was all down to his hospital nurse, The Times reports.

Recent picture of Jake Bailey who is now in remission Facebook (Jake Bailey/ Facebook)

“Without her, it wouldn’t have happened at all,” he says. “Her words were ‘I don’t want you to regret not doing it.’”

The teenager also revealed he was shocked by the amount of international interest his speech garnered: “”What might have been part of it is that everyone is going through a struggle. In my case, it was cancer but everyone is fighting their own demons.”

In a public statement Mr Bailey added: “There will be a lot of follow up care over the coming years and cancer makes no guarantee but for now I can get on with my life.

“The thing about facing death is that you get to rethink exactly who you are and who you want to be if you are lucky enough to get the chance."