About A Man: Del Dawn on being diagnosed with Barrett Oesophagus or Barrett Syndrome.

I met Del via a close friend who recommended I use his services on a project I was about to embark on that was very close to my heart. An introduction was made via WhatsApp. Del and I planned on a day to meet so I could give him the gist of what I needed him to help me create.

We met at London Bridge then found a quiet place to converse. We ended up at Itsu sushi restaurant but I wasn’t able to entice him into eating anything but a healthy drink. 

On settling down I took a good look at Del and found him to be beautiful, yes beautiful. He had thick long dreads which were loosely pulled back, his skin dark milk chocolate, with a velvety look and refined features. 

He was lean but not skinny. His eyes were large and golden brown. He wore a very unique large silver ring on his finger. (He later revealed that he and his beautiful partner share jewellery, so it could have been one of hers). Del was calm, attentive and totally into the idea I pitched to him. 

Being a professional video producer, he explained how things would work and how he operated when friends recommended friends. This involved him offering me a friend and family discount. Lucky me!

He laid down what was needed from my end to enable him to start our process and when all was concluded, he decided to share a personal journey of his life with me. I guess it’s because I had been very open with him about my life.

I sat quietly as he talked. This particular aspect of his life was incredibly fascinating, sad, and at times almost unbelievable. I felt so privileged that he was comfortable enough to share with me at this very early stage of our friendship.

I was delighted that he was an African man who was not afraid to talk so openly about his life, particularly a pivotal period, which most would have kept hidden.

I knew then, that at some point, I would need to ask him if he would be comfortable enough to discuss his personal journey on camera. A few months later I slipped the question to him while catching up and without any hesitation, he said yes.

This is his enchanting and unique experience.