I’M A Celebrity’s Barry McGuigan paid an emotional tribute to his late daughter while accepting an acting award on her behalf.
The boxing legend, 63, lost his daughter Danika in July 2019, due to bowel cancer.
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An actress, Danika was only 33 years old old when she tragically passed away.
Two years later, dad Barry shared poignant words as he accepted IFTA’s [Irish Film & Television Academy] Lead Actress award on her behalf.
Danika’s winning performance came in her final film, 2020 drama thriller Wildfire.
Speaking at the 2021 virtual ceremony, Barry said: “On behalf of our family, this is the ultimate bittersweet occasion, for us.
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“For Nika to receive such a remarkable achievement following years of hard work is eclipsed only by our sadness that Nika is not here to see this award.”
Continuing, the grieving father added: “Nika was a fighter from the day she was born.
“She comes from a long line of strong female role models.
“This is a testament to the special and sacred bond Nika had with her mum – that transcends all of life’s challenges.”
Meanwhile, Barry has also discussed his loss in the I’m A Celebrity jungle.
Viewers and the other campmates were brought to tears by his words.
Recalling his memories, Barry said: “She had leukaemia.
“When I was making The Boxer with Daniel Day-Lewis, three weeks from the end I had to leave because she’d been diagnosed with leukaemia.
“They thought she wasn’t going to get better but she fought back and she won it.
“She had two years of chemo. She was good, she came back…”
What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT’S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest – yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
- Gripping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
- Feeling like you need to strain – like doing a number two – but after you’ve been to the loo
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
The rest of camp comforted Barry, a gesture which he expressed gratitude for.
Acknowledging their kind actions, he told them: “Thank you, you’re all so lovely.
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“I really appreciate it.”
I’m A Celebrity continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
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