A non-smoker and in seemingly peak health, the Great Yarmouth man was left in disbelief when doctors confirmed the disease was already at stage 3.

His diagnosis followed a visit to his GP in October last year, prompted by a cough he had become more aware of during the Covid pandemic.

An x-ray revealed abnormalities, and further investigation with a CT scan indicated a suspected malignancy.

From that point, he said, life became “a rollercoaster”.

Warren Gray enjoying Route 66 (Image: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation)

Determined to use his experience to help others, Mr Gray is now passionate about raising awareness of lung cancer and breaking the stigma that still surrounds it - particularly among people who have never smoked.

He said: “It was only because of Covid that I became aware of a persistent cough, otherwise I may not have noticed it so much or be overly concerned.

"The first step was coming to terms with my cancer, but this took quite a while to........

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