ON a fateful day in 2002 John Mitchell became aware of his own mortality.

Mr Mitchell learned he had contracted a virus which would change his life.

He doesn't know exactly what led him to contract hepatitis C - it could have been from a blood transfusion he needed after an accident he had in the 80s, or it could have been the cocaine and amphetamine drugs he abused, some years back.

It means that now every day counts for the 43-year-old.

Speaking today - on World Hepatitis Awareness Day - from his home in Pound Farm Drive, Dovercourt, the former alcoholic said: "I was in hospital being de-toxed for alcohol abuse, and I was asked if I would like to have a routine test done for hepatitis C.

"I said yes, and I was expecting it to be clear. It wasn't difficult at the time, but when I got the result, it was.

"I was quite mixed up emotionally, I was angry and sad. I knew it affected my liver, so I started to want to take care of my health, although I didn't know much about it."

He found support from The Hepatitis Trust as well as receiving counselling from a nurse at The Lakes hospital, Colchester.

Mr Mitchell underwent a one-year drug treatment course, and at different stages throughout this, the virus was undetectable. But post-treatment tests revealed the virus was still there.

While not receiving any more treatment, he continues to have monthly check-ups including blood tests and ultra-sound scans of his liver.

He knows the virus will always be there and admits he does have regrets.

"It is known as the silent assassin - some people don't have symptoms until the damage is done. You could have hepatitis for 20 years and not know."

"The drinking was a total waste of my life, but there is nothing I can do about it, and I can't change what has happened - I am getting on with the future."

Mr Mitchellnow studies for a civil engineering diploma at Anglia Ruskin University.

"I am feeling healthier now than I have done for years. but I am aware of my own mortality."

  • For more information about the virus you can call the Hepatitis Trust helpline on: 0845 223 4424.