A well-known Whitehaven businessman is urging people with potential cancer symptoms to see their GP, following his own diagnosis with the disease.

Gerard Richardson MBE, who owns wine merchants Richardson's of Whitehaven, and brought hundreds of thousands of people to Whitehaven as organiser of the popular Maritime Festival, has been diagnosed with two cancers in the stomach and pelvis.

Gerard, who was recently appointed one of the new Deputy Lieutenants for Cumbria, said his cancer was discovered after he failed a home test kit for bowel cancer, due to the side effects of the pelvic tumour.

Further scanning in April revealed he also had a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) in his stomach, the symptoms of which he'd put down to acid reflux for a couple of weeks.

READ MORE: Tributes to dad of one 24-year-old Luke who sadly died

Gerard's care has now been handed over to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, which has one of the leading centres for cancer care.

He said: "I turned 60 in early January and saw a call for people turning 60 who may have had any physical symptoms such as bowel changes, weight loss, blood in their stools or abdominal pain, to see their GP so I made an appointment for the test to check for bowel cancer. "Had I not seen the advert, I may have delayed having the initial test and any delay with tumours is potentially fatal.

"My case seems to be one of rotten bad luck rather than failing to get checked in time but I would urge anyone with any symptoms that persists for a few weeks to seek medical advice without delay."

"It can happen to anyone."

Gerard fears that people have been conditioned not to bother their GPs during lockdown and the pandemic, which could cause delays in seeking vital treatment.

He said: "We have got to re-wire society. There were people who found themselves in my position at the start of Covid who ended up dying.

"We were all programmed not to go to the doctor unless it was a dire emergency.

"What I would say, is if you have got a symptom, go to the doctor.

"If you get invited to take part in programme, take it up. If somebody sends you a free medical test, take it. "Covid has done some horrible lasting damage across the country.

It's changed the way people shop, the way people work. I think the most damaging and dangerous thing of all is, it's changed people's attitudes to doctors. You've got to go to the doctors."

Gerard added that the shop may have to close at short notice but that he would appreciate customers continuing to support the business at such a difficult time.

He said: "One personal message like to get over to customers is that if the shop is closed unexpectedly, it's likely for a short term medical appointment or because we are having a bad day.

"I'd be really grateful if clients could come back the following day or use our web shop which we always monitor and I'd like to thank those who have done so recently for their support."

READ MORE: Health professional admits sex assaults -  court hears