Sir Michael Morpurgo reveals he underwent radiotherapy treatment for larynx cancer

Renowned children's author says he has 'excellent prospects for a full recovery' from illness

Children's author Sir Michael Morpurgo has revealed he was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 (PA)

Author Sir Michael Morpurgo has revealed he underwent radiotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with cancer of the larynx.

The former children’s laureate, 74, was diagnosed with the disease last year, but says he has “excellent prospects for a full recovery”.

In a statement on Wednesday, the War Horse writer said his voice was finding “new strength” following treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

“Last year I was diagnosed with an early cancer of the larynx and my perspective on so much changed,” he said.

“Suddenly the disease became central to my life at home, and to my work. It had to be confronted, dealt with, both surgically and psychologically.

“Now, with excellent prospects for a full recovery, with my voice finding new strength I have time to look back at the whole experience, at how fortunate I have been.”

Sir Michael had not previously discussed his battle with cancer in public, but did cancel a number of public appearances in September due to ill health.

Writing in this week’s Spectator, the author opened up about his experiences coming to terms with the diagnosis.

“By 74 it is easy to feel that you have seen it all, done it all, that nothing much surprises you any more,” he said.

“Even an unwelcome medical diagnosis does not surprise you. You cope because you have to. You know it's what happens to us all.

“You've been lucky all these years. Now it's your turn, stuff happens. That's life, you tell yourself, or the other thing.

“Friends and family much younger have been ill, and suffered long; some have fallen off the perch younger than I am now. I've been a lucky old parrot.”

He reflected on distracting himself from the “whirring and clunking of the machine, those life-prolonging rays beaming into you”.

“Well, what and who, besides Marie Curie, did I think of during my beaming time, locked inside my plastic mask, down in the wonderful radiology department at the Marsden?” he said.

Sir Michael, who was a teacher for nearly 10 years, said he thought of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, as well as those he had taught or had read his books over the years.

“They were all the hope I needed, lying there in that hospital being healed.

“It wasn't only the radiotherapy doing the healing. It was the memories of those children too.

“They helped me through, helped me to keep hoping, keep believing. They still do, every day."

Larynx cancer affects the voice box and is a relatively rare form of the disease, with around 2,400 diagnoses recorded in Britain each year, according to Cancer Research UK.

Additional reporting by PA