A recruitment consultant who survived testicular cancer was featured on a BBC Television programme last week and has talked about how the experience shaped his approach to his job.

Mark Adams, of London-based Envision Personnel, was diagnosed with the disease in 2003, when aged 31. The programme, "Extreme Dreams with Ben Fogle", shows how people can change their lives through adventure.

Adams started work as a consultant at Envision two months ago. He had previously been its company secretary. His partner, Adam Maurer, owns the agency.

He said: "While in the grip of the illness, I promised myself I would do more with my life if I survived. "

He told Recruiter: "It meant doing things I'd been too lazy to do before."

On the programme, Adams was one of a group of seven who trekked for about 100 miles along an old Inca trail in Peru. Reportedly less than 100 people have made that same journey in the last century. The trek lasted nine days, during which time he not only experienced every possible weather extreme, but he also had to endure being suspended 150 feet above a river in a basket on a cable. On the trek the group encountered forests, sheer drops, rocky outcrops and glaciers.

Adams ran a marathon last year and is now considering taking part in the Marathon des Sables, a six day/ 151-mile endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

He said: "I was really interested in the concept of how taking risks can help you to become a different person and significantly alter your perspective on life. In my case, I really think it has worked."

Adam's advice to recruitment candidates has changed. It is now more holistic.

"I would now encourage all candidates to think beyond the salary and car when looking for a new job. These days, I would more likely ask them to consider what kind of job would fit in with their life plans, where they want to live and what lifestyle they believe will make them happy and positive. I am convinced my attitude makes them more likely to stick with a job.