Cancer was ‘biggest shock of my life’

BOUNCING back: Oldham mayor, Councillor Richard Knowles, will return to mayoral duties this week

OLDHAM’S longest-serving councillor has spoken about his battle with cancer as he prepares to make a brave return as mayor.

Councillor Richard Knowles (64) was forced to take a three-month break from a packed list of engagements after receiving the shock diagnosis last November.

The mayor, a councillor for over 35 years and a transport geography professor at the University of Salford, was diagnosed with rare nasal cancer affecting his sinuses.

Doctors only made the discovery after he underwent a routine procedure to help rectify breathing problems.

He said: “There was absolutely no warning at all. Following the operation, I went to see the consultant to tell them how great I felt and they hit me with the news. I have never been as shocked in all my life. I was told it was treatable, but serious.”

Councillor Knowles, who underwent his first round of chemotherapy before Christmas, has now completed the course and is preparing for radiotherapy treatment.

“The treatment was not pleasant but I’ve always been a positive person who likes to work. I“Your immune system takes a hit during chemotherapy, you have to keep away from crowds, public transport, meetings, people with colds, it made being mayor impossible.

“I had the opportunity to be mayor on eight different occasions but I turned it down as I didn’t think it was compatible with my job, I was just devastated when this happened seven months into my term, because I was enjoying it so much.

“Luckily I had already planned to do a research period for work, I have been able to carry on with that and work from home having felt well enough to do so.

“I took the attitude that I had to beat this and my family has been there to support me through it.”

Next month, the grandfather-of-two will step down as councillor, a decision he took long before he was diagnosed with the illness.


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