Ant Bigley from Southport

A 47-year-old dad-of-two from Southport has revealed how his “perfect life changed” the terrifying moment that doctors revealed he had cancer. 

Police Detention Officer Ant Bigley underwent urgent surgery to remove a testicle followed by six weeks of gruelling chemotherapy. 

He later went on to star on ITV show The All New Monty, hoping to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer. 

He is now encouraging people to sign up for the Race For Life, and has been chosen as the new voice for the charity’s events in the North West this autumn.

Ant has shared his inspirational story in a powerful 90 second clip which will be played to all near the start line of Cancer Research UK Race for Life events in the North West.

Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

In 2008, Ant had noticed a swelling in his testicle and developed symptoms of overwhelming tiredness.

One day the pain got so bad that he was rushed from work to hospital in a squad car and was diagnosed with testicular cancer just weeks later.

Ant was booked in for urgent surgery to remove his right testicle at Liverpool’s Broadgreen Hospital followed by an intensive six-week course of chemotherapy at the city’s Clatterbridge Centre.

The surgery affected Ant’s mobility and he was reliant on walking aids for a significant amount of time following the operation. He still receives testosterone injections every ten to twelve weeks to maintain his hormone levels. And has check-ups every six months.

Any Bigley with wife Dawn

Any Bigley with wife Dawn

Ant, who is married to Dawn, 52, and dad to Louise, 27, and Holly, 17, has always been passionate about karate and enjoys teaching local children the martial art. He gained his Black Belt two years ago which was a real accolade having had to stop practising when he became poorly.

The 47-year-old said: “I had the perfect life, a good family and an excellent network of friends. But my whole life changed when the doctor said I had cancer.

“Within weeks, I went from a relatively healthy young man to a shell of my former self.”

In 2019, Ant appeared on ITV show The All New Monty, hoping to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer. Having previously been self-conscious undressing in front of his wife, being able to do so in front of a 200-strong crowd and millions watching at home gave him a new found confidence.

Ant’s story is one of around ten audio recordings from cancer survivors which will be played at Race for Life events across the UK this autumn.

He said: “I feel proud to support Race for Life.”

“I hope my story will help connect with people in the moments before they set off on the Race for Life course.

“It’s a privilege to have the chance through the audio recording at Race for Life events to thank the amazing people who are fundraising to support the life-saving research.

“I’m so grateful for the treatment that helped save my life.

“Everything I’ve been through means I understand all too clearly why Cancer Research UK’s work is so important. It’s thanks to research that I can enjoy more time with the people I love.”

Ant Bigley from Southport

Ant Bigley from Southport

Although Race for Life has now axed its races in Southport, people living in and around the town are invited to attend events at Liverpool’s Sefton Park on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26 or at Aintree Racecourse on Sunday, October 3.

This year, participants will set off on the Race for Life course either alone or in small, socially distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will also be provided with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North West, said: “We are grateful to Ant for his support.

“Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity for people across the North West to run, walk or jog and raise money for life-saving research.

“We know that 2020 was a year like no other and we had to overcome many challenges thrown our way during the global pandemic. But this past year proves, more than any other, the value of investing in science and medical research and what can be achieved by working together.

“Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer. We are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.

“All 400 mass participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“So, this year, more than ever, we need people to enter the Race for Life – for the people we love, for the people we’ve lost, for the one in two of us who will get cancer.”

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com

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