Charity match planned for cancer survivor (From Winsford Guardian)

Charity match planned for cancer survivor

7:30am Friday 10th August 2012 in News By Matthew Taylor

A BRAVE Winsford rugby player who fought and tackled cancer is celebrating one year in the clear from the disease.

Alex Gormley, of Upper Haigh Street, was 24 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2010.

Now in remission, The Hoolmes Chapel RUFC player is on a quest to spread cancer awareness and raise money for those that supported him.

The 26-year-old explained: “I had symptoms of bowel cancer for four years before I plucked up the courage to visit my doctor. I had constant diarrhoea and was always tired. I would fall asleep during my lunch break and go to bed as soon as I got home. I was embarrassed to go to my doctor about it at first, but as the symptoms got worse I knew I had to go.”

Alex had to have his bowel removed, and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, where he was supported by staff, and Macmillan Cancer Support.

“All the staff have been so friendly and they don’t forget who you are. I could not have got through this without my family, friends and Macmillan,’ he said.

Alex is now on a mission to encourage others that suffer the same symptoms to visit their doctor.

“If I had gone earlier I might not have needed the chemotherapy and could have just had the operation. I delayed going because I was embarrassed, but trust me, I’m not embarrassed about anything now. I’m just delighted to have got through it,” he said.

Alex, who works with his father at JWD Frames in Winsford, was able to continue working throughout his treatment.

He said: “This really enabled me to keep a sense of reality and not to dwell too much on what was happening to me.

“Being kept involved in my rugby team also helped me to cope. The guys on the team were fantastic and I am delighted to be back playing on the team.”

To celebrate a year in remission, and to raise funds for Macmillan, Alex is holding a charity rugby match from 2.30pm at Holmes Chapel RUFC on August 18.

The day will feature stalls and games for children.

Sarah Page, Macmillan fundraiser for Cheshire, said: “I am so delighted for Alex and his family. He is such an inspiring person and the fact that he wants to raise awareness of bowel cancer in the hope of helping others is wonderful.”

If you would like to help fundraise for Macmillan, call 07595243018 or email spage@macmillan.org.uk