A FATHER in Droitwich has shared his pride and gratitude for the support shown by his family and the community following news of his cancer diagnosis.
Anthony Hird, aged 45 – who lives with his wife Louise (44) and two children Jacob (16) and Jessica (11) in Droitwich – has recently begun chemotherapy for bowel cancer just weeks after being diagnosed.
After the family started a fundraiser for Bowel Cancer UK – which will see oldest son Jacob shave his head for the cause among other efforts – Anthony says he has been ‘blown away’ by the support.
The campaign, which also hopes to raise awareness of the disease, has brought in over £7,600 in donations (at the time we went to press) just weeks after the Justgiving page was set up.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and is typically associated with symptoms such as blood in your stool, changes in bowel movements, unexpected weight loss, and fatigue.
Anthony’s diagnosis was particularly sudden, as he was not displaying many symptoms and is just on the cusp in terms of age for increased risk of the disease.
Almost nine in 10 cases of the disease occur in over 60s, with the highest rates for diagnosis being among 85 to 89-year-olds. Incidence rates start to rise gradually between ages 45 to 49.
Anthony added: “From my own diagnosis, there wasn’t a lot to go on and that’s why we want to raise awareness.
“There’s also a slight stigma with the type of examinations, but the inconvenience is definitely worth going through to make sure.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Hird family have battled cancer. Louise, who was born and raised in the town, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma while she was pregnant with Jacob.
After starting chemotherapy just days after Jacob was born, Louise made a full recovery and is healthy today.
Anthony added: “It’s a difficult time for all of us, especially for Louise with her previous difficulty, but as a family we’re together. We’re trying to see past what we’re up against.”
Jacob’s headshave will take place from 5pm on Saturday (November 16) at The Talbot pub in Droitwich. Everyone is welcome to attend.
There will be a raffle with prizes including a sea-side trip for four, a dining experience and much more. The event will feature other fundraising efforts as well as live music and hot pork rolls.
On his fundraising page, Jacob said: “I love my dad and I will do anything to make sure no other families will ever go through the same as us.”
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/hirdfamilyfundraisers to donate.
