Dad's Crippling Pain Dismissed as 'Too Many Fizzy Drinks' Before Cancer Diagnosis
A young father's agonising stomach pains were repeatedly dismissed by his GP as the result of "drinking too many fizzy drinks," only for scans to later reveal a rare and incurable form of cancer. Tom Hayman, a 28-year-old plumber from Warrington, Cheshire, endured months of suffering, rapid weight loss, and multiple doctor visits before receiving the devastating news.
Months of Symptoms and Repeated Dismissals
Tom first began feeling unwell in the summer of 2024. Despite experiencing severe stomach pains and a dramatic loss of appetite, his concerns were brushed aside during several appointments. His fiancée, Mary Cooper, 28, recounted how medical professionals seemed to minimise the severity of his condition.
"He's a 6ft 5ins lad who loves his food," Mary said. "But all of a sudden, it was like he started forgetting to eat. He just didn't want food. If he did eat, he'd get really bad stomach pains. He also started to lose a lot of weight."
Doctors initially suggested acid reflux, a condition Tom had experienced previously. However, Mary noted the pain seemed to originate from his liver area, which she knew was not typical. "I knew it wasn't right for him to be doubled over in pain," she emphasised. "Tom was worried it was something sinister - but the doctor laughed and said he wouldn't have cancer at his age."
The Devastating Diagnosis
After approximately six months of being "fobbed off," Tom was finally referred for scans at Warrington Hospital, largely because he appeared anxious. The results were life-altering. A day later, the hospital called to report they had found something on his liver.
Further tests in London confirmed the worst: Tom had a neuroendocrine tumour that began in his pancreas and had spread to his liver, along with a blood clot on the organ. The couple were referred to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in May 2025.
"Hearing the word cancer was overwhelming," Mary admitted. "It was all a bit of a blur, to be honest. We were both crying and the next thing we were thinking was - how are we going to tell our family and friends?"
Searching for Hope Abroad
With no cure available in the United Kingdom, the family's hope now rests on treatment overseas. Through social media, Tom discovered dendritic cell therapy in Germany, a form of immunotherapy designed to help the body combat cancer cells.
After sharing Tom's medical notes with hospitals abroad, discussions about potential treatment options began. The family has launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of £50,000 to cover medical fees, travel, accommodation, and lost income while Tom focuses on recovery.
Maintaining Positivity Amidst the Struggle
Despite the grim prognosis and the emotional toll, Mary says Tom remains remarkably positive. "He believes that if he thinks positively, then positive things will come," she shared. "He takes everything in his stride."
Their four-year-old son, Ronnie, is unaware of the seriousness of his father's illness but senses when something is amiss. "He doesn't know what's happening, but he has seen when Tom's not unwell, which upsets him," Mary explained. "We're just trying to keep life as normal as possible for him."
A Call for Awareness and Support
Mary hopes that by sharing Tom's story, they can raise awareness about the importance of taking young people's symptoms seriously. Too often, she fears, serious conditions are overlooked due to age-based assumptions.
The family's fundraiser aims to provide Tom with a fighting chance through innovative treatment not currently available in the UK. Their journey underscores the critical need for vigilance in healthcare and the power of community support in facing life's most daunting challenges.
