Everyone at OPA Cancer Charity was delighted to receive a wonderful email from Johanna Smith sharing some very special news — her father, Bill Smith, will be celebrating a remarkable milestone birthday on 13th May… his 90th birthday! 

Johanna shared these heartfelt words with us:

“My father Mr Bill Smith from Alresford in Hampshire has a milestone birthday soon on 13th May. He will be 90 years old. Dad was first introduced to The OPA in 2003 by his CNS Donna at Southampton Hospital and he continues to support the organisation.

He underwent pre operative chemotherapy and an oesophago-gastrectomy 23 years ago. At that time nobody in the family could have envisaged having Dad here to celebrate his 90th birthday. We are grateful and thankful for the skill and care received from the team of NHS doctors and nurses whom we owe everything to.

We hope the OPA will continue for many years to come helping patients and their families navigate through major surgery and living beyond cancer.

This picture makes me smile of my father taken in his garden at home.”

Stories like Bill’s are a powerful reminder of hope, resilience and the life-changing impact of expert care, support and community. We are incredibly grateful to Johanna for sharing this special moment with us and for allowing us to celebrate alongside the family.

From all of us at OPA Cancer Charity, happy 90th birthday, Bill! What an extraordinary milestone, we hope your day is filled with love, laughter and happiness.