"I'm still the same fool as I ever was" - John Myers is moved by great response to tribute event

And now his life is about to be celebrated in a sold-out event which has a waiting list of nearly 100.

John will be in conversation with fellow Cumbrian broadcasting favourite Fiona Armstrong at Stanwix Theatre, Carlisle, on the evening of Thursday, February 7. The event is organised by the University of Cumbria and the Royal Television Society.

“I did the reverse on Fiona in 2017 and they thought it would be a good idea to turn the tables on me,” said John, 59.

“It was delayed because of my illness but things are good now. After a difficult year I’m thrilled to be asked to talk about my life in radio and television, and of course my cancer challenge.

“I’m in a much better place than 12 months ago. I’m looking at a brighter future with 90 per cent of my health restored. I’m building my strength back up but emotionally I’m fine.

“My positive mindset has really helped me through it all. I never doubted I’d make it but I often wondered what state I’d be in at the end. You never know how good the NHS and staff are until you really need them.”

John grew up in Carlisle and worked for BBC Radio Cumbria and Border Television. His light-hearted style made him hugely popular as an announcer at Border, often with his puppet sidekick Eric the Monkey.

John launched CFM radio station in 1993. As chief executive of Guardian Media Group he then became a key player in national radio.

In 2009 he was commissioned by the government to write a review of the future of local commercial radio.

The evening at Stanwix will feature filmed contributions from many people John has worked with. These include broadcasters Jeremy Vine and Pam Royle, and head of ITV Carolyn McCall.

Stanwix Theatre has a capacity of 180. Nearly 100 people are on the waiting list. Tickets were free. Donations to the Northern Head and Neck Cancer Fund can be made on the night.

This charity provided John with a mentor last year. He now volunteers as a mentor for other people with cancer.

“When I was diagnosed one of the nurses put me in touch with someone who had just gone through it. He told me what happens to you from a patient point of view, not just a medical perspective. He was enormously helpful.

“I was then put in touch with someone who had just been diagnosed. I went to see them and we are good friends today. I think there should be more of this buddy scheme for people going through every type of cancer as it really helps.”

John says he was shocked by the big demand for tickets at next month’s event. “I thought a few might turn up but to see it sell out within days is rather wonderful. It’s also a sign that the people of Carlisle have nowhere to go on a Thursday night! I think they’ve come to see Eric rather than me!”

John and his wife Linda live in Northumberland. They have two children, Scott and Kerry. With his 60th birthday coming up in April, does John feel he has changed much since growing up in Harraby?

“I’m still the same fool as I ever was. I just have moments when I get serious and find myself doing a job that I love. My success is down to hiring people better than me and then getting out of their way.

“My other talent is to spot a good idea and go for it. I’m not hindered by embarrassment or a fear of failure. I see the latter as part of the experience. I’m still proud to be a Carlisle lad. I like the city, I love the people and I adore the crack. Humour is important to me but I like to do things well.”

Stanwix Theatre is part of the University of Cumbria’s Brampton Road campus. Karen Jones, the university’s development manager, is helping to organise the event.

She said: “John is such a larger than life personality. And he’s so kind and considerate. He’d do anything for anybody. I’m delighted that he’s back to full health. The evening is partly about recognising people from Carlisle. The city breeds gritty people. Good things can happen to them. It’s about raising aspirations for Cumbrians and saying, yes, you can do it.”