Mick’s brave cancer walk
AN INSPIRING Calderdale grandfather has taken on a mammoth charity walking challenge while battling bowel cancer.
Former Stainland postman and Halifax Town fan Mick Fryer needed emergency lifesaving surgery after collapsing at home back in February.
Despite still undergoing chemotherapy, he has raised more than £2,000 for children with stomas by walking the 52 miles of the Calderdale Way.
“It was hard enough for me to deal with having a stoma so for children it must be even worse,” he said.
“I wanted to do some fundraising while I was feeling stronger.”
The 60-year-old from Walsden, who has two children and three grandchildren, had not been feeling well for some time before he collapsed but had been busy caring for his elderly father so had put his symptoms to one side.
After he was rushed to hospital, doctors told him his bowel had burst four days previously because of a huge tumour.
Mick needed all of his colon and part of his bowel removing, and wasfittedwitha stoma.
The former Calder Valley Fell Runners member said his cancer diagnosis was a shock. Doctors said it was being fit and a nonsmoker that had helped Mick to survive.
He is still undergoing chemotherapy - having his 13th round this week - but last month completed the staggering walking challenge in aid of charity A Bear Named Buttony.
Together with pals Keith Midgley from Wheatley, Andy Main from Walsden and Chris Burrell from Brighouse. Mick walked 13 miles a day for four days.
“I’ve run the Calderdale Way in a day before, it took me 12 hours, and it’s local to me so I thought I’d walk it,” he said.
“The first day was a bit rough because of the weather. The next two were fine and then the last day was horrendous.” A Bear Named Buttony supports young people who have a stoma. Younger children are given a bear with a stoma and older youngsters a wash bag full of non-medical items to help adjust to life with a stoma.
To donate to Mick’s collection, visit https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ MickFryer-calderdaleway.