Bodybuilder loses battle with cancer
Date: 25-04-2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited Kingdom |
|
Keep-fit fanatic Robert Snowball has lost his eight-year battle with cancer.
The young dad – known to his mates as Mad Bob – twice fought off the disease before it finally claimed him last week. He was just 36.
Robert, a sign erector with Vasey Signs, was originally diagnosed with cancer of the sinus while in his late 20s and then developed a tumour in his neck a little over a year ago.
He underwent surgery and family and friends had hoped he was clear, but the disease returned for a second time just before Christmas, this time in his spine and lungs.
Partner Lorraine Campbell said doctors had initially been baffled after Robert began to complain of pains in his back.
"They did not know what it was at first. They did a scan and nothing showed up," said 39-year-old Lorraine.
It soon became clear that Robert had developed small cell cancer, a variety of the disease which usually starts in the lungs but spreads quickly through the body.
Throughout his illness, Robert refused to give in
and was determined to carry on with life as normal, said Lorraine.
"He just got on with it," she said.
A devoted gym-goer, Robert continued to work out regularly.
"Bodybuilding was his hobby. He used to go to the gym three times a week," said Lorraine.
"You could not keep him away. Even when he was ill, he was going to the gym and training. He would not give in."
The couple were supported through Robert's illness by Sunderland's Macmillan nurses and Lorraine has requested donations to the appeal in Robert's memory.
"I want to say thank-you to Macmillan," she said. "Our nurse Edna Pollock was wonderful.
"She used to come out to see Robert and we could phone her up whenever we needed to."
Robert, of Beagle Square, Silksworth, leaves a son with Lorraine – three-year-old Louis – and stepchildren Colin, 21; Emma, 19; Charlene, 18; George, 15, and 10-year-old Daniel.
