Former Christchurch Boys’ head monitor Jake Bailey is in remission from the cancer he spoke about in his viral speech. 

One week before his school prize giving Mr Bailey was told he had Burkitt non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  Doctors said he might not make it to the end of year event.  Despite this, he left his hospital bed and delivered a speech from his wheelchair.  He told his school:  “None of us get out of life alive, so be gallant, be great, be gracious and be grateful for the opportunities you have.” 

In a statement released today he said he’d been undertaking “intensive chemotherapy” for the past three months, but is now in remission. 

Mr Bailey admitted the road ahead won’t be easy, saying at times he feels more like he’s 81 than 18. 

“There will be a lot of follow up care over the coming years and cancer makes no guarantees.” 

 But, he said, for now he can “get on with life”.

He's thanking his family, friends, Christchurch Boys' High, and the blood and platelet donors who helped save his life.  Mr Bailey also praised the public for the heartfelt messages he received.

He will be taking a gap year this year and hopes to tell his story to other people facing challenges in an attempt to inspire him.