Sons of hero Lancashire firefighter who died from rare cancer launch incredible fundraising effort in his memory

"We had been together for 16 years and had talked about getting married. Once he had been diagnosed, the hospital had estimated he could have up to a year to live with chemotherapy, but it was only six weeks," said Elaine Howard, from Hesketh Bank.

By his side in a bed at Royal Preston Hospital, Elaine, along with their family and a registrar, married partner and firefighter Graham Wignall on February 17.

Just 20 days later, she was left widowed for a second time after he passed away from CUP Cancer - Cancer of an Unknown Primary, meaning the cancer spread can been found in the body (secondary cancer), but doctors can't find where the primary cancer first started.

"From diagnosis, it was all very rapid. Before lockdown, we had taken steps to get a special license to marry at the local church but he wasn't well enough. The day was still amazing," said Elaine.

"It was so sad because I knew I would shortly be widowed for the second time."

Graham was able to spend his final moments at home, passing away just six weeks after diagnosis and three days after his 53rd birthday.

The firefighter, who worked across Preston and Lancashire for 25 years, was much-loved by friends and family, with over 500 visitors at his funeral.

Now, his sons Ben, 29 and Joe, 23 are raising money for leading charity Cancer Research to fund vital research into CUP Cancer with their fundraiser 'Walk over Cancer'.

"It was extremely sad and emotional for us all. The boys had started the walk over cancer whilst he was unwell and their response to it was just amazing," said Elaine.

"It is amazing how they have stuck with this fundraising, which has seen people contribute from all over the world. If more research was done they could find out where the cancer originates from and hopefully pinpoint how it can be treated.

"Joe challenged himself to do 500 press ups each day and Ben, also a serving police officer, did 20,000 steps, with a target of £500 within a month. They continued this in honour of their dad every single day and have raised in excess of £10,000."

Around 8,800 people are diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary each year in the UK, equating to 2 out of every 100 cancers diagnosed.

According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, firefighters are at a higher risk of developing cancer because of their exposure to smoke and hazardous chemicals.

Graham was also the second Lancashire firefighter to die of this form of cancer. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), in association with the Fire Brigades Union, are now undertaking research into the possible causes of the rare form of cancer which has affected firefighters nationally and in the borough.

The study undertaken by the Lancashire based university supports calls on the government to regulate firefighters’ exposure to toxic gases to protect them from developing cancer.

Researchers at the university found that their risk of developing cancer is increased by dangerously high levels of harmful chemicals that can remain on their protective gear after smoke exposure.

Currently, neither exposure to toxic gases or their long-term effects on the health of firefighters are officially monitored in the UK, despite cancer deaths in firefighters rising steadily each year.

Anna Stec, lead researcher and Professor in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity at UCLan, said: “We have found that contaminated clothing and equipment is causing firefighters to be exposed to alarmingly high amounts of dangerous chemicals, which puts them at a greater risk of cancer.

“It is time for change. If this level of toxic exposure was found in the US or Canada, Government would immediately put measures in place to monitor the health of firefighters and address this. Countries across Europe are also tackling this problem, with Norway, Sweden and Finland working toward identifying their own solutions.

“The UK must do more to tackle the growing issue of cancer in firefighters, we already know the incidence of cancer is higher amongst this profession compared to the general public, and that it is their leading cause of death. We have now identified skin absorption as their principal source of exposure to cancerous gases. The government needs to protect those working to save the lives of others by providing them with the best preventative medical care, education and support, whilst investing in guidance and research to ensure best practice is adhered to.”

Graham previously worked in home repairs, often visiting Elaine's house in Preston that she shared with her previous husband, before their relationship blossomed.

She knew that she would be widowed for a second time, but was still determined to make a statement of their love by marrying him at his hospital bed, just a month after his diagnosis of CUP cancer.

The 'Wiggys Walk for Cancer' fundraiser, that had an original target of £500 for donation to Cancer Research UK, has now hit a milestone of over £10,000 in a bid to help with the vital research carried out by the charity.

Setting up the Facebook fundraiser, son Ben said: "Dad has been a firefighter in Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for the last 25 years and was front line for 20 of those years. He has saved countless lives and rescued even more people in their time of need. Many of whom will never know their saviour and saint. He is one of the true unsung heroes.

"Help us 'Walk All Over Cancer' and research into this disease. To fund the hugely important research into the disease as a whole and more specifically into CUP and help the small percentage of people who do have CUP confirmed, fight it better.

"If more was known about the cancer then it is likely that my dad could have received more targeted and effective treatment for his ailments from the very beginning, which would have given him more of a chance at a better prospect and a chance of maybe actually overcoming the disease."

The fundraiser saw Ben and brother Joe team up to tackle 20,000 steps and 500 press-ups every day throughout March to raise the money to then be donated to the popular cancer charity.

Updates and ways to donate can be found at their fundraising page.