Pendle dad beats cancer and grows Movember moustache (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Pendle dad beats cancer and grows Movember moustache

12:20pm Wednesday 28th November 2012 in Pendle By Simone Yates

A PENDLE dad was diagnosed with testicular cancer just months after he thought about growing a Movember moustache for ‘a bit of a laugh’.

Now Stuart Wright, from Nelson, is urging men to check themselves regularly for any symptoms after beating the disease.

The 35-year-old, of Howgill Close, Nelson, thought about growing a moustache last year as part of the national awareness campaign.

But in February this year, Stuart was diagnosed with testicular cancer and is now fund-raising for a reason.

He said: “Last year a friend and I talked about growing a moustache for a bit of a joke. I never dreamed that I would be doing it for real. When I found the lump I actually prepared myself for the worst.

“Fortunatley I was lucky the cancer was caught early and tests showed that it had not spread. It wasn’t nice but I also think that I am lucky to have caught it early.”

The father-of-one said he had to undergo a small operation to remove the cancer and still has blood tests and check-ups to stay safe.

Stuart said his wife Catherine and two-year-old son Isaac are also getting used to his facial hair.

He said: “My wife has been supportive but I think she secretly can’t wait for me to get rid of it!”

Stuart, who works for Calico Homes, said his colleagues supported him, so far raising £774.

They had also taken to wearing fake moustaches. He said: “I really appreciate the support, and Movember is a great way to raise awareness.

“Everybody knows about breast cancer awareness month and Race For Life so it’s good to highlight men’s issues.

“Men shouldn’t be embarrassed about it and talk about these kinds of problems because it could save your life like it did for me.”