A CANCER sufferer carried out a groundbreaking experiment to see if Facebook could save his life.
Gary Morgan, of Bagillt, is preparing to produce a film about the life-saving potential of technology after he was “rescued” by Facebook users.
The 50-year-old, who has suffered from stomach cancer since September and has had his stomach and part of his bowel removed, has daily blackouts.
He decided to begin a social experiment on Facebook and posted a message saying he had collapsed at his keyboard, could not reach a phone and needed help.
Within two minutes he had received several calls and texts from strangers and within four minutes the news had reached his son – who knew nothing of the experiment.
He said: “I black out about once a day.
“The doctors do not know what is causing it yet and I am on my own nearly all the time during the day because my son is at work.
“I have about 2,000 friends on Facebook and I don’t know all of them, so I decided to see what would happen if I said I was in urgent need of help.
“The first message I posted was to say I was doing a social experiment, then I posted the distress call about an hour later.
“I filmed the whole thing and I was amazed by the response we had.
“It takes a lot to decide to call a stranger’s mobile and my son found out about it within minutes.”
Gary has posted his film on video sharing site YouTube and is planning on making more films about life-saving technology, despite the fact he is still undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment.
He added: “I’m working with Flintshire Council to try and organise a demonstration about all the gadgets that can help disabled people, including watches, alarms and 999 text messaging services.
“I’ve also set up a website aimed at supporting fellow cancer sufferers.
“I want to do something to help other people and I think the internet and sites like Facebook can be a great support to those living alone with disabilities or illnesses – it certainly has been for me.”
To watch Gary’s video, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v= VdA2rW_Lb7c.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article