Sister's heartbreaking warning as 'fitness fanatic'…

Sister's heartbreaking warning as 'fitness fanatic' brother dies within a year of diagnosis that 'shook us all'

A grieving sister is warning others after her fitness fanatic brother died within a year of a devastating diagnosis. Benjamin Millard - or Benj to his family and friends - used to go to the gym twice a day and was seemingly fit and healthy.

But Benj's world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer aged 33. He was given a poor prognosis and died just eight months later, Lancs Live reports.

Now, his sister Abby Morris is spreading awareness of the disease in an effort to try and prevent more loved ones from dying. After setting up charity The Bowel Movement in Benj's memory, Abby has produced a film sharing her brother's story.

Benj wasn't displaying the usual symptoms of bowel cancer. His biggest issues were chronic indigestion and low mood which was out of character.

He used to go to the gym twice a day, looking after his physical healthy on a daily basis. Abby said: "He really look after his body. And was really fit and healthy - at least on the surface.

"So when he was 33, to receive the diagnosis of a stage 4 advanced cancer with a very poor prognosis shook us all." It was her brother’s story that encouraged Abby to set up The Bowel Movement.

“On the face of it he was such a fit man,” said Abby. “When we heard the news it was devastating. It was so hard to believe.”

Described by his wife Laura as an "intelligent, confident man with a massive heart" following his death in 2019, Benj was a loving husband, son, stepdad, brother and uncle. His friends called him 'Thanos' after the marvel comic character, because he had a "personality as big as the universe".

Abby, a doctor and lecturer at Lancaster University, said: “It’s vital we challenge this misconception that young people don’t get bowel cancer. Early diagnosis is so important - and GPs have a big role to play in that.” Abby's story of what happened to Benj, from Frome, has now been included in a film that has been produced to warn others of the dangers and encourage people to come forward if they are displaying symptoms.

The film has been produced by former BBC Correspondent Clinton Rogers who says he wants to people to be aware - and not be embarrassed to come forward if they have symptoms. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK.

Yet consultant colorectal surgeon Paul Mackey, from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, says it is people’s reticence to come forward that can lead to serious problems. Mr Mackey, who also features in the film, said: “People are reluctant to talk about their bowel symptoms and their toileting habits - and that is a big issue.

“But if you’ve got on-going bleeding, if you’ve got an on-going change in your bowel habits, you must come forward and be investigated. The rule is: Don’t sit on your symptoms.”