Jake Bailey

Book excerpt: "'None of us get out of life alive, so be gallant, be great, be gracious and be grateful for the opportunities you have.' Delivered from a wheelchair while undergoing cancer treatment, Jake Bailey's inspirational end of year speech as Head Boy at Christchurch Boys' High School made headlines around the world. Diagnosed just a week earlier with the most aggressive form of cancer - one with often fatal results - Jake didn't know whether he would have the strength to deliver the words he had written before receiving the shocking news of his illness. And he had no idea of the significance his speech would assume as he lay in hospital enduring intensive chemotherapy. In this remarkably honest account of his illness, treatment and recovery, Jake shares all that the experience has taught him. 'Before I got sick I was dying to get home from school. I was dying for the weekends. I was dying for the school holidays, and then before I knew it I was dying in Christchurch Hospital.' Confronting the possibility of death has led Jake to re-evaluate all that he took for granted in life and to encourage others to do the same. His book is an uplifting call to action to people of all ages."