A father-of-three died of cancer – that was initially diagnosed as HAY FEVER.
Chris Fidock, 57, first became unwell in August 2017 but initially his symptoms were dismissed as minor.
It eventually emerged that the grandfather from Redruth, Cornwall, had cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer.
After a tough battle Chris finally succumbed to his illness and passed away in June last year.
Now, members of Chris’ family, including his son, Sam, have organised a memorial fun day in memory of the popular man – and to raise awareness of the disease.
Sam, 30, said: “My father bravely fought this cancer before finally losing his battle in June 2018, less than a year after his diagnosis.
“When he first became unwell in August 2017, he was initially diagnosed with hay fever, which seemed most surprising given that my father had been a keen gardener since his teens.
“However, it wasn’t until September 2017 and after numerous hospital visits, that the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma was made.”
Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts, and symptoms include abdominal pain, yellowish skin, weight loss, generalised itching, and fever.
Sam continued: “Unfortunately, there is no cure for this little-known cancer.
“My father did undertake an experimental treatment in hospital but, having proved unsuccessful, he subsequently retired to be with his family in his final months.
“This event will be an important way for his family to remember an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend and much-loved member of the local community.
“We want to give everyone in and around Redruth an event they can all enjoy this bank holiday, irrespective of age.”
On Sunday, Sam and his family will run the memorial day which will including a BBQ and live music from local groups.
Sam added: “We hope that it will help to shine a light on the cancer that took his life so quickly and which most people won’t have ever heard about.
“And who knows – if this year’s memorial day is a success, we may look at making it an annual event.”
All funds raised from the event will support AMMF, the UK’s only cholangiocarcinoma charity, and help raise awareness for the little-known liver cancer.
Helen Morement, CEO of AMMF said: “We are grateful to the Fidock family for their support, and feel sure that this memorial family fun day will be not only a really enjoyable bank holiday event, but will also help to increase awareness and raise vital funds for desperately needed research into cholangiocarcinoma, this little known and devastating liver cancer.”