29 February 2024 , 13:13
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Dave Myers once shared that he had been "convinced he was going to die" more than two decades ago when a "massive shadow" had been found on a scan of his brain.
The late TV presenter - best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers - had been concerned about his health in 1998. He had previously described it as the "worst year" of his life, sharing that he had suspected he had cancer at the time.
His concern came just months after his fiancée, who had herself been diagnosed with cancer, had died. Dave shared in an interview six years ago that despite fearing for his own life, he later found out that it was a benign cyst on his brain.
Dave - who was years later diagnosed with cancer - told the Belfast Telegraph in 2018 that "nothing" compared to being diagnosed with a cyst on his brain. He said that towards the end of 1998, following the death of his fiancée earlier that year, he had "loads of migraines and memory loss".
He told the outlet in the interview: "Doctors scanned me and told me I had a shadow on my brain. After what had happened to [my fiancée], I was convinced I was going to die. In the end, it wasn't a tumour but a benign arachnoid cyst, and emergency surgery successfully drained it."
Hairy Bikers star Si King shares news as fans left gutted by show update
The late Dave Myers once opened up about a 'shadow' being found on his brain in 1998, which later turned out to be a benign cyst (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Dave, who passed away this week after being diagnosed with cancer just a few years ago, said he had been concerned at the time (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Dave continued by saying that "weirdly" the operation had a "beneficial effect" on his hair. He further commented to the outlet at the time: "I'd suffered alopecia since the age of eight and always been bald, but after that my hair grew."
During an interview with the Telegraph five years prior, Dave - who was on Strictly Come Dancing at the time - said that it was a "massive shadow" on his brain. He also shared the symptoms that he had experienced prior to the treatment.
The presenter told the outlet that he hadn't been able to recall the names of every objects, for example. Dave said about the experience during the interview: "I'd see a phone, a desk, a light, but wouldn't know what to call them."
Almost a decade later, Dave announced in 2022 that he had since been diagnosed with cancer. His treatment included chemotheraphy and he had spoken about life since the diagnosis in the years since he shared the news with fans.
And it was announced this morning that Dave passed away, aged 66, earlier this week on Wednesday. The news was shared with fans by his colleague and close pal Si King, 57, who issued a statement to their followers on Instagram.
The post read: "Hi everyone, I'm afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave's wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing."
Si added: "His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own. Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can't follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you god's speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya."
He further commented "I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team. I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them."
He concluded by writing in the statement: "May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon. Love Si."