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Mildenhall cancer patient celebrates birthday raising funds for Maggie’s Wallace at Addenbrooke’s Hospital




A Mildenhall man who discovered a devastating tumour in his left cheek after collapsing at work is to mark his 46th birthday by taking part in a fund-raiser for the charity which supported him.

Dave Cogan was diagnosed with cancer in August 2013 after passing out while at work as a classroom support teacher.

He had suffered dizzy spells and noticed that his left eye was swollen. After undergoing an MRI scan doctors discovered a tumour that looked like an actopus in his cheek.

Despite endeavours to save his left eye it was finally removed along with the tumour and Dave’s cheekbone. This was followed by radiotherapy.

Throughout his ordeal Dave was supported by Maggie’s, a charity which provide free practical, emotional and social support through units attached to major cancer hospitals.

On September 25 Maggie’s Culture Crawl takes place in Cambridge where Dave and other walkers will visit some of the city’s iconic buildings to raise funds for the Maggie’s Wallace unit at Addenbrooke’s.

The event is an evening walk and cultural adventure and takes inspiration from the architectural design of some of the centres which provide uplifting and healing spaces for cancer sufferers.

Dave will also be honoured at the Warriors Assemble Fighting Spirit Awards on October 24 for his continued involvement with martial arts despite his cancer.

He said: “The counselling, relaxation, stress management and lessons from the food for life course have all been incredibly important to me. Going to Maggie’s gave me something to look forward to and a chance to feel human again.”