Leigh Leopards were devastated to hear the terrible news of local legend and past player Micky Higham learning that he had a return of a cancer against which he had previously successfully fought.
Micky has been diagnosed with Stage 4 widespread metastasized cancer that requires expensive treatment outside of the country. A fundraising page has been set up in the community to help Micky and his family fight this latest battle, including a walk that people are encouraged to join, taking place on 24th August 2025.
Club owner Derek Beaumont said: “I was gutted when I saw this news and immediately shared it on my own social media platforms to assist with the awareness to raise funds. I had spoken to Micky and to his wife Kate during his first fight and wasn’t surprised to learn he had come through strongly, given the warrior he is. So, it was even more disheartening to learn he was faced with an even bigger fight.
“Life deals some terrible hands to people and at times it makes you question your beliefs, and it is impossible to support them all. Micky is a legend, not just for what he did in Rugby League as a fantastic servant to Saints, Wigan, Warrington and Leigh, nor even the fantastic representation of England and Great Britain. He has also been an outstanding ambassador for the game to young people, amplified and visible by his two fantastic children, Harry and Alex, who have bright professional careers ahead of them in the game.
“Micky’s reach goes much further than that as he has built and coached a fantastic team of players at Leigh Miners Rangers juniors, producing many players that are already on professional pathways with scholarships. In his non rugby life, he always has time for people and goes above and beyond, dedicating himself to others something that is evident in his work life, promoting and supporting people with fitness and health programmes.
“He is always all about helping everyone else and now it’s time for everyone else to help him.
“Time is always of the essence in these horrible situations, and it is rather apt that on Friday we face one of Micky’s former clubs, from where he transferred to our club after serving them with distinction, in the Warrington Wolves. It seems the perfect opportunity to recognise Micky’s efforts to our respective clubs and more so his recent fight and need for our support.
“We will therefore be holding a bucket collection outside and inside the ground including corporate areas to add to the vital fundraising that is taking place to support Micky, Kate, Harry and Alex through this journey, hopefully culminating in enough to see Micky receive treatment outside of the UK that can be his 18th man. Please note that only cash donations can be accepted on the night so please ensure that you bring cash with you to the game.
“Micky messaged me earlier today to say he has beaten this before and he will do it again, even though it will be a harder fight this time. That message really inspired me. I would ask both sets of fans to donate however they can and, irrespective of that, to show their love and support for Micky in the 9th minute of the game when his name displays around the perimeter LED boards to show whilst he will have to take the physical fight alone he has everyone in his corner!”.
“I want to do something special for Micky and his family, which I am on with, and hope to provide details before Friday’s game. In the meantime, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Micky and all his family and friends.
“Thanks in advance for everyone’s support.”
