Dad of flood victim in cancer scare

THE father of a man who died in the 2007 floods has spoken about a cancer scare in an attempt to encourage other men to get their symptoms checked immediately.

Michael Barnett's son, also called Michael, 28, died of hypothermia six years ago today after his leg became trapped in a storm drain in Hessle.

Now, Mr Barnett, who is still reeling from the loss of his son, has revealed how his doctor thought he may be suffering from prostate cancer.

Mr Barnett, of Willerby Road, west Hull, said: "I was really thirsty all the time and I kept needing to get up several times in the night to use the toilet.

"Eventually, I went along to the doctor and he said he wanted me to have some blood tests.

"Prostate cancer hadn't even entered my mind. But the doctor ordered me for tests and then, when they came back, he sat me down and said, 'It's good news – it's not prostrate cancer'.

"I am obviously really relieved to get the all-clear. I have an enlarged prostate and have a few pills to take."

Mr Barnett, 71, said it is important men take their health seriously and do not delay getting symptoms checked.

He said: "Women tend to visit their doctors if something is wrong. But, for whatever reason, a lot of men don't.

"We tend to have the attitude of, 'Ah – it'll go away. I'll just take some tablets'. But you can spare yourself a lot of worry by just going along to see the doctor if you have any concerns."

Mr Barnett is suffering from a raft of health complaints, including type 2 diabetes.

Three years ago, he suffered a heart attack.

"I am sure it is all connected to what happened in 2007 in some way or another – especially the heart problems," he said.

"After the heart attack, I was fitted with a stent to open up an artery, which has helped.

"I was under too much pressure. We formed a working group to get something done about flood defences and I was speaking regularly at Darley's pub in Hessle.

"But it did my health no good. I was allowing myself to get worked up."

Six years on from the floods that claimed the life of his son, who had been cleaning a drain for neighbours, Mr Barnett said he has still not fully come to terms with the tragedy.

He said: "Time is not the great healer it's meant to be. It's still there. Every day. It won't ever go away.

"If I hear a piece of music Mike liked, it'll bring it all back.

"He used to live with me in my house.

"In the end, you just learn to live with it. You never get over losing a son."

Mr Barnett's son died in Astral Close, where a temporary grille had been placed over a culvert.

Noticing debris had collected in the grille, he had entered the drain to dislodge material and allow flood water to escape.

However, his leg became trapped in the grille and rescuers were unable to free it as the water level rose.

Options including amputation were ruled-out, due to poor visibility and the fast flow of water.

He eventually succumbed to the cold after being in the water for three hours.