Merlin Griffiths, the much loved barman of the popular Channel 4 programme First Dates, has given fans an update regarding his ongoing cancer treatment saying his "stoma journey looks like it's coming to an end". The 47-year-old, who first hit our screens in 2013 on the dating show, was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in September 2021 and has been open with his followers about his treatment journey so far.
In a recent Instagram post, the popular TV star revealed that he was in the final phase of his treatment and recovery from the disease and was ready for an operation that, as indicated in his instagram post, will reverse his stoma.
Alongside a photograph of him sitting in a hospital gown, Merlin wrote: "Checked in (with the bear of course), and ready to go. Here's to the final phase of treatment and recovery #Stoma #Reversal #BowelCancer."
Read more:Michael Flatley updates fans after cancer surgery
The bear he is mentioning is that of 'A Bear Named Buttony', which is a charity that supports children and young people who have a stoma. In a previous post, Merlin addressed this and explained what the bear represented.
He wrote: "This handsome fella @buttonybear will be coming with me on Monday when I check into hospital. He'll be gifted to a child with a #stoma. My #stoma journey looks like it's coming to an end. However, some young children also grow up with an ileostomy or colostomy. Buttony Bear aims to support them. And the bear has a #stoma too!"
A stoma is a small opening that is made during a colostomy operation, which is part of the treatment for bowel cancer, over which a pouch is placed to collect stools, according to the NHS.
The television star has undergone chemotherapy and various successful operations to remove a 4.5cm tumour. Merlin was diagnosed with bowel cancer after he'd ignored early warning signs which included pains in his abdomen and changes in his bowel movements. Speaking to The Sun in September 2022, he said "it was that typical male reticence thing of going - 'oh I'm fine', 'it's nothing really', 'I'll be alright'" that prevented him from seeking help earlier.
"I tried to convince myself that the pain just wasn't important." He also urged people to "learn from my mistakes - get tested and don't be embarrassed."
Friends of the barman and fans have flooded his comments to wish him a speedy recovery. Cici Coleman, one of the show's waitresses, wrote a series of emojis, to which Merlin responded: "Thank you Cici."
User @dylove wrote: "Thinking of you @merlinfdc4 - sending positive vibes - you’ll be fantastic" as well as @annaghafur who said: "Good luck my stoma reversal was the easier recovery out of all my bowel surgeries, so fingers crossed for you. Wishing you well."
READ NEXT:
- Coronation Street and Doctor Who star has been enjoying the sights of Cardiff
- Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez announces baby news with sweet picture
- Loose Women's Brenda Edwards breaks down hearing Ed Sheeran song dedicated to late son
- Stacey Dooley welcomes first child with Kevin Clifton and shares sweet name
- This Morning’s Josie Gibson praises Mexican hospital as son has health scare on holidays
