'I'm feeling super fit'
Hollyoaks actor Ben Richards celebrates four years cancer-free on This Morning
The star also revealed why he felt obliged to raise awareness
BEN Richards has opened up about his battle with bowel cancer after celebrating four years clear of the disease during an appearance on This Morning.
The 44-year-old actor, who most recently starred in Hollyoaks as Ben Bradley, also revealed why he felt obliged to raise awareness following his diagnosis.
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He explained: "I’m now four years clear which I’m really chuffed about. Next year is the big mile stone, five years. That’s the big stepping stone.
It means you’re pretty much… that’s the big one where you’re pretty much clear. I’m feeling super fit and health and I go the gym regularly."
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When asked by host Ruth Langsford why he felt it was important to discuss the issue, he added: “No one does. It’s.. I guess it’s just one that people just talk about it. When I first got it I researched and there was nothing. Bobby Moore, that's it.
"There was nobody younger. So I said: ‘Okay, it is my responsibility as someone in the public eye to raise awareness.'"
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Ben first revealed he’d beaten cancer in 2013 – exactly a year to the day an invasive medical examination initially revealed he had a 6cm tumour in his bowel.
At the time he tweeted: “Told today that its exactly 1 year tomorrow since I was diagnosed, got the same procedure tomorrow, fingers crossed for happier results xx.”
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He added: “Firstly wanted to say a huge Thank You for all the lovely messages of luck and support. Was awake for whole procedure, weird seeing yourself from the inside.
“Surgeon has just come round, results all clear, won’t have to do that for another 3 years. Am v relieved and happy #blessed #bigCFight #winning.”
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Keen to not let his diagnosis restrict his life, Ben underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery and then a further operation following complications just weeks before embarking on a national theatre tour, performing in up to nine shows a week.
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Despite describing wife Helen Richards as his “rock” throughout his battle, the pair called time on their 15 year relationship before getting the all clear.
In July 2012, Helen tweeted: “Well that’s that then! Thank you! Only 15 years down the drain! Wish I could remember 2012 as the year of the Olympics, instead of the year my marriage broke down! #sadtimes.”
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