RETIRED engineer Brian Cramp is a medical pioneer.

He may not be a scientist but his contribution to medical science is perhaps even more remarkable.

He is taking part in clinical trials to test new cancer fighting drugs - drugs which could save the lives of thousands of future patients as well as his own.

Brian, 67, was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a form of cancer that effects the lining of the lungs - last year.

The prognosis did not look good.

"I looked it up on the Internet and it was like being given a death sentence," said Brian, who developed cancer as a result of working with asbestos during the early part of his career.

The disease was discovered when Brian went into hospital to have excess fluid drained from his lungs.

"I knew something was wrong because I had problems breathing but once the fluid was drained off I felt great. It was a shock when I found out what it was. It was like being put on death row.

"I'm told there is no cure so when a doctor at Southampton General suggested taking part in a clinical trial at the cancer research centre I thought why not give it a go? I'll admit I was thinking of myself at first but if it's going to help others then that's great."

Because his body was otherwise healthy, Brian was able to go straight into chemotherapy trials using traditional cancer fighting drugs combined with a series of injections using the new drug Velcade.

Despite being too ill to finish the course, a scan showed his tumour had reduced significantly.

After a three-month break, Brian is now testing a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment which moves away from chemotherapy. An antibody known as Chi Lob is fed into the body via a drip where it latches onto cancerous cells and hopefully encourages the body's own immune system to fight them.

It is a pioneering treatment tested by only two hospitals in the country, Southampton and Birmingham.

"It's really early days but if it shows an improvement we'll carry on," said Brian who says he feels "right as rain".

"It's exciting to think that people with this problem in the future might not have to have chemo - it's brilliant. It could make things so much better.

"I've always felt invincible throughout my life. I never thought much about charity before but now I can see the importance of raising funds with events like Race for Life."

Brian's wife Brenda agrees.

"I didn't know about clinical trials before this,"

said Brenda, the former owner of Everton post office and stores. "I have tremendous admiration for everyone who is involved. It's amazing."

Professor Peter Johnson knows the importance of people like Brian.

"Without people who are prepared to have new types of treatment we would never get anywhere,"

he said.

"We hope we'll see these new treatments work but we know when we try something for the first time the chances are small. It takes a lot of courage and selflessness for people like Brian to come forward to take part."

Brian's role in testing new cancer drugs is helping scientists understand its effectiveness in helping others.

Ultimately his contribution to medical science could help save the lives of many more men and women.