Rugby League legend Micky Higham diagnosed with cancer for second time
Micky Higham, who won a Super League title and three Challenge Cups as a player during his career, was first told he had cancer in 2022 after finding a lump under his arm.
The former Warrington, Wigan and Leigh player, was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma, which had spread to his lymph nodes, and after surgery and immunotherapy he received the all-clear.
But, just three years later, the dad-of-two found another lump in his lower back, with scans revealing a 10cm growth - where tests confirmed the cancer had returned aggressively, spreading to other muscles.
In June Micky and his family were told he has Stage 4 widespread metastasized cancer.
Micky now hopes to get treatment overseas after being told he was unsuccessful for a UK-based clinical trial.
He is undergoing 12 weeks of immunotherapy at the Christie, but says he wants to give himself the best possible chances.
His family are now fundraising in order to get the treatment abroad, with the money being split between his family, his treatment and cancer charities.
He will be embarking on a walk between Leigh and Salford on 24 August, alongside a range of other fundraising activities planned over the coming months.
"I'm doing a little bit tough at the minute, got to be honest, the first time I got the melanoma it was all new and I didn't have much pain and I'd like to think I got through that quite well," Micky said.
"But this time it's come back, and it's spread to where it has, and I'm in a bit of pain and especially the second time round you just start thinking a little deeper than previously.
"So I'm doing it tough but I've always had the quite positive attitude, I'm quite mentally strong to get things done and when challenges come along I meet them head on and I feel like I'm doing that and staying positive."
Micky said the cancer has spread to up to eight areas areas after he discovered the initial lump, but added "it was a really positive sign" that all were in muscles and not organs.
"I think when someone says to you Stage 4 and it's spread you automatically think 'wow', but you can't think like that, it's spread but we're confident we'll get it under control and get it sorted," he added.
Speaking of his two sons - both rugby league players - and wife Kate, he said he was determined to remain positive for them.
In response to the news, Leigh Leopards held a collection and an applause at the ninth minute - for Micky's shirt number - which he says "caught me off guard".
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