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his discharge from hospital, doctors advised that the cancer had not spread, there was no need for chemo – and Laura told him they were expecting their second child.
Although elevated at the news, Chris went from taking charge of large boot camps, chattering on social media and hosting charity nights, to falling silent.
He said: “I didn’t want to leave my house. I left group chats. I found myself becoming angry and sad. I was a mess. We had literally just had the launch of our new gym, and then I disappeared.”
When he decided to open up and no longer shy away, he posted on social media a picture of himself in hospital, with Sofia by his side. The response was overwhelming, with friends organising a surprise dinner for him, and one even travelling from the USA to show Chris just how much he means.
“In January 2019, I had two failed stoma reversal attempts. It completely sent me into depression. I couldn’t get out of bed and I was a mess,” said Chris, who experienced anxiety and panic attacks.
“The third attempt was a success. I woke up and immediately felt my side. No stoma. When my family entered the ward to see me afterwards, they were so happy. Laura said my face had changed. No sadness. I was her Chris again.”
Recognising that it was then time to “fix” his head, cancer nurse Eleanor arranged treatments for him that included reiki, reflexology and counselling, which helped Chris to find himself again.
Describing her as “the best nurse in the world,” Eleanor was presented with the Bowel Cancer UK Gary Logue Award, after Chris – who raised £12,000 for the charity and the Beatson through a 24-hour fitness challenge – nominated her for guiding him through “to a better place”.
On August 6 2019, Laura give birth to their second daughter, Lucia – a name that aptly means ‘light’.
“She is definitely the light that helped us all through the dark,” said 34-year-old Chris, of New Stevenson, who is now preparing to re-open his gym,
Ferri Fit, as restrictions ease.
“Having cancer has helped me to open my eyes to the world. Everything is brighter. Family and friends are closer. Love is stronger.”
And to anyone who has recently received a cancer diagnosis, his advice is: “Stay positive. Look after your head, because I didn’t do enough of that. Mentally, I didn’t cope .
“It is easy to slip into dark places.
“Look after your head, and your body will look after itself.”
It’s easy to slip into dark places. Look after your head and your body will look after itself