Cancer Patient's Work Van Stolen During Chemotherapy, Leaving Him Heartbroken
A young man undergoing intensive chemotherapy for an aggressive form of cancer has been left devastated after thieves stole his work van and essential tools from outside his home. The incident has stripped him of his livelihood during a critical period of medical treatment.
Diagnosis and Theft During Treatment
Tommy Holland, a 25-year-old tiler from a town near Corby in Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with stage four Burkitt Lymphoma in late 2025. This fast-growing cancer required immediate and aggressive chemotherapy. Initially dismissing symptoms like hip pain as sciatica, Holland's condition worsened with chest pains and night sweats in early November, leading to a delayed diagnosis after being sent home from hospital with antibiotics.
On February 10, while Holland was in hospital receiving his third round of chemotherapy, his grey Nissan Navara was stolen from outside his house. The vehicle contained all his professional tiling tools, with the combined value estimated at £20,000. Ring doorbell footage captured the thieves struggling to drive away in the truck before eventually making their escape.
Emotional and Financial Impact
"It was just heartbreaking," said Holland, who lives with his fiancée Bethany Duffin. "I absolutely loved my truck. It was sort of my pride and joy. Whether they knew it had tools in the back I don't know, but it's just completely stripped me of all of my work stuff."
Despite the devastating theft, Holland has tried to maintain perspective during his cancer battle. "I have tried to stay as strong as possible through it because at the end of the day, as much as it is terrible, there are a lot of people out there that are probably going through a lot worse," he added.
Family Response and Community Support
Holland's sister, 30-year-old Georgie Holland, described the situation as a "nightmare" and established a GoFundMe campaign to replace the stolen van and tools. "It's been a massive emotional rollercoaster, especially because it's Tommy, and I say that because he is just such a sweet soul," she explained.
"[His diagnosis] has really been just a massive toll on the family ... but even throughout all of this he's remained positive," Georgie continued. "We're all working out how we can get him money and get back to his livelihood more than anything. That truck was really the hope that he would go back to work as soon as he was back to health and he could just jump back into it but it's preventing him from doing that."
Fundraising Success and Ongoing Treatment
The GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than £6,000, providing Holland with hope for the future. Georgie, a stay-at-home mother living in London, noted: "The response has been insane. I think Tommy is just so overwhelmed and appreciative of everything and it's given him hope as well for the future."
Holland faces another chemotherapy cycle at the beginning of March, after which doctors will determine whether the treatment has been effective or if further interventions are necessary.
Police Investigation Status
Northamptonshire Police confirmed that the theft occurred shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, February 10. A spokesperson stated that initial inquiries have been conducted, but unfortunately, the vehicle has not been recovered and no arrests have been made in connection with the crime.
