Officer Patel-an inspirational police officer who has overcome cancer to return to the front line.

Met Police Officer Keyur Patel has battled many challenges in his life including over coming cancer, battling dyslexia and now returning to what he always dreamt of doing-being a front line officer. He really is an incredible inspiration that demonstrates to others just what determination can achieve.

Keyur grew up in a tough neighbourhood where many he knew were either imprisoned or lost their life. Yet Keyur knew he wanted to make something of his life and have the opportunity to help others leave their troubled life behind.

He joined Thames Valley Police as a special and from there he knew just what he wanted to do. He told the Havering Daily: “As soon as I put the uniform on, I knew that was the job I wanted to do. Unfortunately, during that time the Met were not recruiting so I joined as a Detention Officer.

“I had worked as a drug and alcohol misuse worker in the community and in prisons, and that gave me the opportunity to support others.”

Keyur’s dream came true when he finally joined the Met Police in 2013 and was able to be a frontline officer by February 2014 in Hounslow. However, sadly due to cancer, Keyur found himself unable to work as a response officer.

“I was diagnosed with Myeloid Leukaemia in 2012. I had cycled to work where I collapsed and taken to hospital where after numerous tests, they discovered I had Leukaemia. They told me that the next three months were going to be crucial for me. I under went full on chemotherapy, where it was touch and go for a while.”

Keyur was determined to make it and one day return to front line policing.

“When I joined I was able to work normally, but sadly all the shift work took its toll on me and after seven months the side effects of the drugs meant I couldn’t carry on.

“I suffered hand cramps as a side effect and that meant that I couldn’t access the radio as I should and would not be able to support my colleagues as a front line officer as I should be.

“Lots of fears kicked in then for me and it was a really hard time, but luckily I had a really supportive governor who told me that there were lots of other jobs I could do.”

From there Keyur joined the CID section for four years where he did enjoy his time.

“I did enjoy the work but I was angry that cancer had stopped me from doing the job I wanted to do.”

He continued to battle even harder and his medication was also changed that allowed Keyur a better quality of life.

Now, in March of this year Keyur has returned to front line policing after winning his battle through his incredible determination. Not only has he returned, but he has also over come dyslexia to pass his Sergeants and Inspectors exams.

“It is great to be back and lovely to be promoted, another hurdle I have passed. For me this is a story with a happy ending and I am back on frontline duties determined not to let cancer defy who I am.”

Keyur is an amazing officer, with incredible determination who really is an inspiration to the community. He has dedicated his life to helping others through his job and as a scout leader outside of work.

Well done Keyur you are another Met hero on our streets that really is a fantastic role model.