Daz’s ’Walk of Life’ for Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association

Liz Hignett to take on mammoth challenge in memory of late husband

This weekend an Andreas woman is taking on a challenge with a difference in memory of her late husband.

Darren 'Daz' Hignett died of bladder cancer the day before his 25th wedding anniversary last year after an 18-month battle with the disease.

Now, in his memory, his wife Liz is taking on two major walks to raise funds for the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association.

One will take her around Liverpool this weekend (24-25 August) and one, here on the Island, in September (14-15) will mark the one year since he died.

Siobhán Fletcher has been finding out more:

If you'd like to support Liz's fundraiser, you can donate via her JustGiving page.

She has already surpassed her initial goal of £500 but says the sky's the limit!

BLADDER CANCER

Bladder cancer affects over 10,000 people in the UK and is more prevalent in men than women.

As the NHS states, once diagnosed, bladder cancer can be classified by how far it has spread. 

If the cancerous cells are contained inside the lining of the bladder, doctors describe it as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (early bladder cancer). 

This is the most common type of bladder cancer. 

When the cancerous cells spread beyond the lining, into the surrounding bladder muscle, it's referred to as muscle-invasive bladder cancer (or invasive bladder cancer).

This is less common but has a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the body.

If bladder cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it's known as advanced or metastatic bladder cancer.

It is predominantly seen in the over 60s, although it can affect younger people too - Darren was 53.

The main symptom of the disease is blood in your urine but it is not the only one. 

Others include:

• passing urine often (frequently)
• passing urine very suddenly (urgency)
• pain or burning sensation when passing urine
• weight loss for no reason
• pain in your back, lower tummy or bones
• feeling tired and unwell

Sandy Denning is from the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association:

You can find out more via NHS UK, Cancer Research UK or Macmillan Cancer Support.

You can also visit the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre at Noble's Hospital or call them on 650735.

And you can hear the full conversation between Liz, Sandy and Siobhán in our latest NEWSCAST: