Simply now
By Bernadette Allen, BBC Information NI
BBC“Each my mom and father handed with most cancers, and after I was identified – I used to be considering – am I going the identical means?”
These are the phrases of four-time world kickboxing champion Billy Murray, who is not any stranger to combating battles within the ring.
For the previous 4 years he has been contending with a special opponent – and one that’s recognized to many – as he has been receiving remedy for bowel most cancers.
He stored his prognosis non-public till now.
However a brand new documentary about his life known as Billy Murray…in his Personal Phrases has revealed the main points of his sickness.
“Only a few folks know what I’ve been by means of over the previous few years,” he mentioned.
“I used to be identified in 2020 with stage 4 bowel most cancers. I’m nonetheless affected by it – I’m battling it – and I’m hopefully forward of the sport plan.
“After I was first identified, I used to be afraid I used to be going to go the identical means as my dad and mom – I used to be with them each step of the way in which of their most cancers journeys and it’s a horrible sight.
“I’m fairly a robust and targeted individual due to coaching on a regular basis – so I put that mentality into myself and mentioned I’m going to beat this.”
Belfast filmmaker Jim Crone made the movie, and it was not solely Billy’s unbelievable sporting journey that impressed it – but additionally his positivity and resilience in coping with his sickness.
“I’ve recognized Billy for 40 years. We didn’t know the place Billy’s sickness was going to go when making the movie – and the horror story that would have unfolded with Billy probably shedding his life.
“It may have been the sort of factor displaying at a funeral – fortunately not.”
The movie not solely covers Billy’s kickboxing and well being journey, but additionally lots of his different achievements. He arrange the Peace Fighters, to advertise peace and respect by means of fight sports activities and he has additionally educated and mentored many different athletes.
His motivational qualities aren’t misplaced on those that Billy now trains, akin to two-time former world beginner kickboxing champion and now skilled kickboxer Jay Snoddon.
“To place it briefly Mr Murray is my hero,” Mr Snoddon mentioned.
“I’ve been at this fitness center for seven years and I do know the profession that he’s had, the ups and the downs, and he has simply been an inspiration for me.”
What are the indicators of bowel most cancers?
There are three essential issues to look out for:
blood in your poo that occurs for no apparent cause – it could be vivid purple or darkish reda change in the way you poo – akin to going to the bathroom extra usually or your poo changing into extra runny or hardfeeling decrease tummy ache or bloating, when your stomach feels full and tightThere could also be different signs too, akin to: losing a few pounds; not feeling such as you’ve emptied your bowel correctly after a poo; you’re feeling extra drained or dizzy than standard
Having these signs would not essentially imply it is bowel most cancers, however recommendation is to see a GP if you happen to discover them for 3 weeks or longer and if issues simply do not feel proper.
Which means they are often checked out rapidly. The sooner cancers are identified, the better they’re to deal with.
Typically bowel most cancers can cease waste passing by means of the bowel and this could trigger a blockage. This could carry on extreme tummy ache, constipation and illness. You will want to see your GP or go to your nearest A&E right away in these circumstances.
