A cancer survivor has donated £25,000 towards revamping the Stanmore hospital which saved his life.

Declan Kelly gave the cash to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s (RNOH) Charity Redevelopment Appeal.

He donated the money after he was successfully treated for chordoma of the coccyx, a rare form of spinal cancer which meant he was unable to walk unaided.

The tumour was operated on by Professor Tim Briggs and his team, who successfully removed the tumour in November last year.

The day after his operation he was able to stand up and walk on his own.

Mr Kelly said: “I owe my life to Professor Briggs who truly inspired me back to full health.

“The level of professionalism and support shown to me and my family, as well as to other patients alike, was nothing short of outstanding.

“My family and I are delighted to support the appeal – we felt that it was our duty to show gratitude and make a donation that would help improve facilities for future patients so that they can continue to receive the very best standard of care.”

Mr Kelly and his family run a successful telecommunications and utility services company nationwide.

In addition to the family’s generous donation, Mr Kelly, his wife Christina and children, Saffron, Dylan and Aaron will take part in the RNOH charity’s flagship fundraising event – the annual Buttercup Walk in Stanmore on June 8.