A CANCER survivor aged in his seventies will lead a lap of honour at the Cancer Research Relay For Life event in Southend.

The 70 year old and father of two, Terry Carrigan, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after going to the doctors for tests when he noticed blood in his urine.

The news terrified Terry, who was thinking of the next chapter in his life, having just retired from his job as an electronic engineer.

Terry chose to have Brachytherapy, which is when a high dose of radiation is given to the tumour.

After two years of treatment, Terry is still working with doctors, but hopes he has seen the back of cancer.

He said: “I feel honoured to be taking part in the lap of honour with fellow cancer survivors celebrating our achievements.

“I would like to say thank you to my wife Kim, who has been my rock throughout my experience.”

Relay For Life is an overnight community event, held to raise funds for research to help find a cure.

Leading up to the event, Relay For Life teams raise as much money as they can through a variety of activities, including karaoke competitions, quizzes and charity balls.

At the relay, teams will take it in turns to walk around the track, while other team members either rest, eat, or sleep in their tents, ready for their turn.

Stalls, food, local performances, bands and theatre groups will be at the event, along with the Candle of Hope ceremony.

Candle of Hope bags decorated with messages dedicated to loved ones, whether it’s in memory or in celebration of them, will be filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track.

Terry continued: “Cancer affects so many people every year. Relay For Life is a great way to make a stand against the disease by raising money to fund Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving research.”

Jayne Meikle, volunteer Chairman of Relay For Life in Southend, said: “We are delighted to have someone as positive as Terry to lead the lap of honour. He is an inspiration to everyone who meets him.

“During Relay For Life we celebrate life and pay tribute to those who have survived cancer but we also remember and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the disease.

Relay for Life will be taking place in July.