John Walker Pattison was born in the wonderful seaside town of South Shields 64 years ago. He is a long-suffering but dedicated Newcastle United supporter; however, there is little doubt that the crucial hinge in John’s life is his beautiful wife, June, and his family. “Nothing is more important than family,” says John. He recently retired from his post as a senior clinical nurse specialist in haematology at his local hospital, a place that established his cancer diagnosis in 1975; he is humbled to be one of the longest living cancer survivors in the UK at 46 years post diagnosis.His interests include Native American photography and exploring parts of America unseen by tourists.