Principal overjoyed at Christchurch teen's cancer remission news

Jake Bailey giving his speech at Christchurch Boys High School. Photo / Simon Brouwer

The principal at Christchurch Boys' High School, where Jake Bailey was headboy, has spoken of his joy at the teen's cancer remission news.

Mr Bailey made headlines around the world when he presented an emotional and inspiring speech at the school's senior prizegiving in November last year a week after being diagnosed with Burkitt non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and told he might not live to see the day.

The teen yesterday announced chemotherapy had been successful and he was in remission.

"In response to the incredible and at time overwhelming interest and support in my battle with cancer, I am now fortunate to be able to announce that recent tests show that my treatment has been successful and I am officially in remission.

"There will be a lot of follow-up care over the coming years and cancer makes no guarantees, but for now I can get on with my life."

Principal Nic Hill said he was overjoyed at the news.

"Just really, really just ecstatic for Jake and just I really hope he can get on with life. He has sort of had this pause," he said.

Mr Hill said media attention following the young mans speech had been overwhelming.

"There was a lesson there about the power of the internet. 700 people would have seen Jake make his speak but because we put it on YouTube millions saw it. That was something to ponder."