Mo Haque returns to ITV London News 18 months after crowdfunding for immunotherapy cancer treatment, sharing his incredible progress. He also shares an exclusive cover for his book ‘Choosing To Stay: How Cancer Gave Me My Life Back’ – For more information about the book visit https://mohaque.com
Mo Haque writes
I began Evolutionary ‘Rebirthing’ Breathwork for the first time in March 2016, a time when my terminal cancer was growing and spreading, a time when the NHS decided against funding a breakthrough immunotherapy treatment for me.
Fundraising a total of £200,000 was a daunting prospect, yet it was my last resort to give myself a chance to live. With help from family, friends and strangers, we raised close to £190,000 allowing me to have a year of immunotherapy treatment. My tumours have subsequently reduced and 6 months on from stopping the treatment (May 2017), the tumours have been stable thankfully.
David Parker’s UrbanLIFECLASS breathwork groups have been an integral part of the process for me. I have been attending every single month which allows me to explore themes that I have been suppressing over the years, whilst learning and integrating new behaviours. Behaviours such as asking for help, receiving help, saying no, establishing and maintaining boundaries.
The sessions also allow me to make sense and feel the emotion from my most recent struggles and release any build up, as and when they occur. They also allow me to acknowledge my successes and encourage me to remember to do things I enjoy even if that means ‘doing nothing’, rather to purely just be. But perhaps more crucial is the learning that I get from hearing other peoples shares.
With individual work with David, I have also found that my creativity has flourished and opportunities continue to open up, since attending regular sessions, like writing my book; Choosing To Stay: How Cancer Gave Me My Life Back, published in the forthcoming year 2018.
I have spoken in Parliament, been on TV several times and being invited to speak on various stages to share my story. I have also been getting involved with different cancer communities and charities contributing to publications, policy documents as well as attending Government meetings.
I continue to take one day at a time, whilst holding an intention to serve and share. The breathwork is a reminder to stay present and live in the moment whilst being mindful of the 4 P’s of destruction; Procrastination, Perfectionism, Projection and People-pleasing.
Breathwork practice has become a staple part of my monthly self care.
My situation right now is critical. Diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 18 months ago, I have exhausted all standard NHS treatment. 18 cycles of chemotherapy and one major operation. I even tried a phase 1 trial drug, the 24th person in the UK to be given these tablets. My cancer however continues to grow. Due to the genetic nature of my cancer Lynch Syndrome/mis match repair/ RAS mutation, THERE IS HOPE”.
I have experienced 4 rebirthing sessions to date this year, and each time the feeling I get is one of pureness. After a breathe it feels like my insides have been cleansed, there is a softness within each organ of my body, as if I am breathing for the first time without the polluted air. This emotional detox is needed right now, to manage my mental, spiritual and physical condition.
The shifts that took place following the rebirth group breathing and discussion were quite profound. Thoughts around my self worth and being deserving of help unconditionally, became pre-eminent. 
urbanLIFECLASS 