A 61-year-old man from Weymouth, Dorset, is living with a hernia the size of a watermelon, leaving him unable to work and reliant on Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP). John Burden first noticed a golf ball-sized lump in his stomach in October 2022 and was rushed to hospital, where fluid was drained. He was told to return after losing weight.
Despite shedding nearly 20kg, Burden claims the NHS repeatedly refused surgery, insisting he needed to lose more weight. The hernia continued to grow, eventually reaching the size of a watermelon, forcing him to wear XXXXL clothing. He says the condition has prevented him from working as a shop fitter or driving.
In recent months, the hernia has begun rupturing, causing severe bleeding and multiple A&E visits, including one requiring a blood transfusion. Burden said: “I was projecting blood 10 feet across the floor. The ambulance came and they couldn't stop it. I had to have a blood transfusion.” He claims consultants still have not offered surgery.
Burden is now fundraising £5,000 for removal surgery in Lithuania, where a specialist has agreed to treat him, including travel and accommodation costs. He said: “All I want is to have the hernia removed so I can get my life back.” A spokesperson for Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said they could not comment on individual cases but encouraged Burden to contact their patient experience team.
