'Ireland needs educating about it': Cork man campaigns to prevent bowel cancer deaths

John Paul and Susan Ricken with children Leo and Lucy. Susan died, aged 35, on November 19, 2021.

A Cork man is marking his wife’s first anniversary by urging people to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer.

John Paul Ricken’s wife Susan died, aged 35, on November 19, 2021, in hospital in Perth, a month after being admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pain. The Farranree native was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent surgery, and was due to undergo a round of chemotherapy. However, it was discovered that the cancer had spread rapidly to other parts of her body.