It was the experience of dealing with kidney cancer in 2000, when he lost a kidney in the process, that spurred James on to set up a charity to help others in a similar position.

James continues to lead a full and busy life, as do the majority of people whose kidney cancer is diagnosed and treated early enough.

He lists his hobbies as eating, walking his dogs and enjoying life. Thankfully losing a kidney to cancer hasn’t prevented him from doing any of these activities.

You can read about more of these in his recent book, entitled ‘Almost a Celebrity’ and available to purchase online now.

James embarked on his path to fame on the airwaves over thirty years ago as the founder of Radio Top Shop. James then headed north to front a night-time talk show on Metro Radio in Newcastle. BBC Radio Derby and Radio Aire followed before the launch of his eponymous TV show entitled the James Whale Radio Show which proved extremely popular Friday night viewing. 

From the late 1990s James hosted various topical chat programmes on national radio, his official James Whale web site can be found at www.jameswhaleradio.com  

He fulfilled a lifelong ambition to appear on the big screen as a baddy when he appeared in both Charlie and Cold and Dark.

Kidney cancer was a traumatic interruption to James Whale’s hectic schedule. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2000 and had a tumour the size of a small football removed as well as his left kidney. His experience prompted him to create the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in order to raise awareness of the disease which claims more lives each year than road traffic accidents.

We hope you can join a growing band of supporters that include broadcaster Nicholas Owen, a fellow survivor for the disease, and pop impresario, Pete Waterman.