Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
John Bennett

I felt ashamed after losing my testicles but now I've stripped off to the world

A man who lost both of his testicles to cancer has plucked up the courage to get his kit off in front of millions of people.

Anthony Bigley, from Southport , wants to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.

The 45-year-old's  diagnosis in 2009 and horrific emergency surgery and chemotherapy, left him "looking like Freddy Krueger" too embarrassed to even take his clothes off in front of his wife.

Liverpool's Mo Salah 'photobombs' Everton fans taking selfie  

 Following his performance on the ITV show: The All New Monty, all of that's changed.

The show has given Anthony the confidence he had before his diagnosis (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Stripping in front of an audience was daunting, Anthony said: "It was more frightening than the cancer even! You know, bearing your dangly bits and all your scars is terrifying but this was about laughing in the face of cancer and if it saves someone else and encourages someone to just check their self or see a doctor, then it's all good by me."

Prostate and testicular cancer survivors from all over the UK were gathered to join together and combat the stigma surrounding the unique losses they have experienced.

Shocking video shows moment violent and abusive yob threatened to kill every passenger during a Ryanair flight  

 Their performance was viewed by millions across the UK as well as a 200 strong live audience.

Anthony was blown away by the crowds response, he said: "You know, you had Ashley Banjo and all these other guys who are in the gym everyday and when we went out, we were all shapes and sizes with just a sailor hat and a gold thong, but the reaction we got was unbelievable, you could feel the wind from the cheering and the clapping, it was unbelievable."

The Monty Army, has become the adopted name of the lads who performed on Monday, have been met with an outpouring of praise on social media.

Shocking moment female teacher kisses PUPIL on train journey while sitting on his knee  

But as polished as the performance was, Anthony admitted it was definitely a nerve-wracking experience.

He said: "Everyone was in tears backstage after, it was euphoric, so emotional, it was like finding yourself again. It was the most uplifting experience of my life."

Before his diagnosis, Anthony was in line to receive a black belt in karate but after his treatment he "went from a young man to walking with a cane" and spent a decade working his way back to peak condition.

 Two weeks ago he finally earned his black belt.

Cause of death of Merseyside comedian Freddie Starr confirmed by doctors  

He said: "You know, it was really getting back into karate that boosted my confidence and even let me consider doing the show. My wife thought I was mad at first but she said 'If this is what you need to do, go for it' I couldn't have done it without her."

Anthony dons the two things that have given him his life back. (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Since the performance was broadcast, Monty's Army has gone viral with hundreds of men reaching out to the group via their Facebook and Twitter pages, for support and a chance to share their experiences.

To anyone who might be suffering in silence Anthony added: "Don't be embarrassed about it, if we can stand naked in front of 12 million people, you can talk to a doctor, better to be embarrassed than dead."

If you believe you may be showing signs of testicular or prostate cancer, such as difficulty passing urine or unexplained pain in your testicles, you should visit your GP as soon as possible.

For anyone who wants to reach out to the Monty Army you can contact them over twitter: @themontyarmy

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.