THE Rugby League family is rallying to support former Warrington Wolves’ hooker Micky Higham’s battle with stage four cancer.
A fundraiser has been launched for the popular player following his latest cancer diagnosis, with £25,000 already raised to help fund pioneering treatment.
Higham made over 500 career appearances with Wigan, Leigh, Warrington and St Helens, as well as eight international appearances for Great Britain and England.
In August 2022, Higham, aged 44, discovered a lump under his arm which turned out to be Stage 3 melanoma.
After surgery and immunotherapy, he received the all-clear, but in March of this year, he found the cancer had returned in a Stage 4 widespread metastasized cancer as scans revealed a 10cm growth.
Unfortunately, Higham has been unable to proceed with a UK-based clinical trial, meaning he is fighting for access to promising trials in Europe.
Higham is now taking on a fundraising walk to raise money for this treatment, support his family and contribute to vital cancer research.
A JustGiving page has been set up stating:
“In August 2022, Micky Higham, rugby league legend, husband to Kate and dad to Harry and Alex, discovered a lump under his arm. Initially reluctant to seek help, it was Kate who persuaded him to visit the doctor. That decision changed everything. In November 2022, Micky was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma, which had spread to his lymph nodes. After surgery and immunotherapy, he received the incredible news that he was cancer-free.
But the fight isn’t over.
In March 2025, Micky found another lump in his lower back. Scans revealed a 10cm growth, and further tests confirmed the cancer had returned aggressively, spreading to other muscles. In June, Micky and his family were dealt a devastating blow: the diagnosis – Stage 4 widespread metastasized cancer.
Despite this, Micky continues to show the same resilience and determination that made him a force on the rugby pitch. He’s not just fighting for himself; he’s fighting for his family, for others facing cancer, for a future where this disease can be beaten.
Sadly, Micky was told last week that he is unable to proceed with a UK-based clinical trial. He and Kate are now fighting for access to promising trials in Europe, determined to find the right treatment.
Since retiring from rugby, Micky has dedicated himself to the Leigh community, running a family gym and helping others achieve their health goals. Now, unable to work due to treatment, Micky and Kate face mounting emotional and financial pressure. But true to form, Micky isn’t backing down. He’s taking on a fundraising walk to raise money for his treatment, support his family, and contribute to vital cancer research. Alongside the walk, a range of fundraising activities will be planned over the coming months, giving everyone the chance to get involved, show support, and help make a real difference.
This page is a rallying call to everyone who knows Micky, has cheered him on, or simply believes in the power of community and hope. Every donation helps ease the burden and fuels the fight, not just for Micky, but for everyone affected by cancer.
Let’s start by walking with Micky. Let’s fight with him. Let’s help beat cancer together.
📅 Join Us for our first event on Sunday 24th August
We walk with Micky Higham takes place on Sunday 24th August, with full details shared across social media platforms.
We’re calling on the people of Leigh, and beyond, to come together, show support, and walk to fight against cancer. Let’s unite for Micky, for his family, and for the vital cause of cancer research and treatment.”
Donations can be made by CLICKING HERE
Micky Higham with his family
