'National treasure': Bowel cancer advocates pay tribute to Dai Henwood

Dai Henwood's open battle bowel cancer battle has had a profound impact on New Zealand's awareness of the disease.

Henwood died yesterday after a six-year battle with bowel cancer - he was 48 years old.

Bowel Cancer New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Huskinson told Ryan Bridge the way he spread the word about key symptoms and the importance of acting early was hugely powerful. 

He says Henwood was not only a national treasure but deeply loved by the bowel cancer community.
 
Huskinson says his warmth, humour and ability to break down taboos gave people hope and a sense of humanity. 

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