In August 2021, Tony Higgins from Donabate, Co. Dublin, received life-changing news. A husband and father of two teenage daughters, Tony was diagnosed with Stage 2 neck cancer caused by the HPV virus. Doctors discovered a tumour in his neck and cancer in his right tonsil.
Tony underwent intensive treatment at St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, including a tonsillectomy, 35 sessions of radiotherapy and three rounds of chemotherapy. While his consultant explained that the treatment would be extremely difficult, nothing could fully prepare Tony for the journey ahead.
During treatment, Tony lost 17kg and became unable to eat, requiring tube feeding for nourishment. He spent three weeks in St Luke’s Hospital in December 2021, facing some of the darkest moments of his life. Throughout it all, Tony kept a diary of his experience, documenting both the physical and emotional challenges he endured.
Determined by nature, Tony drew strength from a lifetime of pushing himself to the limit. A former Irish representative at the World Skydiving Championships on three occasions, he credits his active lifestyle and resilient mindset with helping him through treatment.
Thankfully, Tony made a full recovery.
Wanting to give back to the hospital and staff who cared for him, and to raise awareness of HPV-related cancers in men, Tony took on an extraordinary challenge in August 2023 — cycling from Mizen Head to Malin Head over three days, exactly two years after his diagnosis.
Since then, Tony’s fundraising efforts have continued through both his long-distance cycles and annual static bike collections. To date, he has raised more than €25,000 for The Friends of St Luke’s Cancer Care, helping support patients and families receiving treatment and care.
Tony is also passionate about raising awareness of HPV cancers in men. While there is growing awareness around HPV and women’s health, Tony believes more conversations are needed about the impact the virus can have on men and the importance of vaccination and early detection.
Today, Tony continues to use his experience to inspire others, raise awareness, and support the work of St Luke’s – the place that helped save his life.
