A devoted father-of-three from St Helens has died suddenly just days before Christmas, following a devastating battle with cancer that began with a persistent sore throat.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
Yan Hodkinson, aged 47, passed away on Sunday, December 14, after suffering a carotid blowout, a fatal rupture of a major artery in his neck caused by advanced cancer. His partner of 29 years, Jayne Chisnall, 46, has spoken of her profound shock and heartbreak following his unexpected death.
Jayne remembered Yan as the "life and soul of every party", an amazing man who loved playing pranks. "Everybody who met him knew they had met him," she said. The couple, who met as teenagers, leave behind three children: Jack, 20, Ruby, 16, and Max, 11.
From Sore Throat to Stage Four Diagnosis
Yan's health struggles began in 2023 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease. Later that year, he developed a hoarse voice and persistent sore throat, which was initially treated as tonsillitis.
Concerned by swelling in his neck, Jayne urged further investigation. In June, Yan received the devastating diagnosis of stage four squamous cell carcinoma. Doctors explained this aggressive cancer had originated in his left tonsil before spreading to his tongue, jaw, and forming tumours in his neck.
Despite the severity, his treatment initially showed promise, and he was allowed home. However, the radiation and tumours had caused severe damage to the arteries in his neck, leading to the tragic carotid blowout that claimed his life.
Family's Heartbreak and Fundraiser
Jayne described the loss as "absolutely devastating", praising their children for being "absolute rocks". The family's grief is compounded by a difficult year, which also saw the loss of Yan's mother in April.
A self-employed electrician, Yan was unable to work in his final months, and Jayne took sick leave to care for him, leaving the family without an income. A JustGiving crowdfunding page has been set up to help cover funeral costs and support the children.
Jayne also hopes the campaign will raise crucial awareness about HPV-led cancers, the type Yan battled. She emphasised the importance of recognising persistent symptoms, urging others to seek medical advice if something feels wrong.
"This year has been such a tragic and sad year," Jayne said. "Me and the kids will miss him forever."
