Popular biking television presenter Henry Cole has thanked the motorcycle community for their ongoing support, following the news that he is being treated for colon cancer.
Cole, who presents programs including The Motorbike Show , Shed & Buried , and Junk & Disorderly , made an announcement on social media on Wednesday, September 2 – telling fans: “It’s localised, it’s easy to operate on, and thank gosh we found it.”
“I am told – god willing – that I will make a full recovery, and I’ll come up smiling around February.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henry Cole (@henrycoletv)
The post has prompted thousands of messages of encouragement from fans, with Cole further confirming that television filming will continue during treatment; however, any live shows this side of Christmas – including his appearance at National Motorcycle Museum Live in October – will no longer go ahead, with tour dates set to be rescheduled.
“I just cannot believe the response and people’s kindness,” Henry told MCN following the announcement last week. “If there’s one good thing that comes out of being ill, it’s the kindness of people, and I’m so proud to be part of the motorcycling community.
“I’m really upset that I’ve had to cancel my talks,” he continued. “The surgeon said, ‘well, look, you can’t really stand on stage for two hours and then give your full 100%, so why don’t you just move it till the spring next year?’
Henry now wants others to get checked, saying: “Firstly, the messages of support and love have actually made me cry.
“The key thing is diagnosis, right, and if you can find out what is wrong with you – I know the NHS promote it like crazy – get checked out, because if you get checked out early, there’s nothing to worry about.
“If you leave it, like I have a little bit – luckily not too long – then you know, you could have some issues. But if you can just get it early, or just find out for peace of mind, it’s the same feeling as buying a new bike – you feel great.”
Cole had his first intravenous chemotherapy session on Wednesday, September 2, and will undergo an operation in November. Although filming has continued, the television star says he has now started to take things easier and has been well looked after by his co-hosts.
“ Allen [Millyard] is hugely supportive, Guy [Willison] takes the p**s and as always Fuzz [Townshend] is just the voice of reason,” he joked – speaking to MCN during a filming session.
“The whole camera crew – they’ve been with me for so long – and we’ve all been through loads together over the last sort of 10 to 15 years.”
He continued: “You’re not alone. This is the unbelievable thing about it. So many people have got stuff going on who I’ve had messages from, and as a community, that’s how you get through as well. Just talk about it.
“I just implore everyone, please, you know, don’t bury your head in the sand like I did.”
Everyone here at MCN wishes Henry the very best in his ongoing treatment and recovery process.
Henry Cole’s live shows and television programs have done a huge amount in bringing motorcycling into the UK mainstream, and all of us here at MCN wish him the best of luck in his recovery process. See you soon, Henry!
Dan is a fully-trained journalist, with a Gold Standard Level 3 Diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists. He has a passion for motorcycles of all capacities, but feels at home aboard a sportsbike. He's been working for MCN in print and d…