A father from Runcorn who received a devastating cancer diagnosis two years ago is refusing to lose hope, even after being told that UK doctors can do no more for him. Sean Turner, 39, first noticed symptoms of chronic tiredness and general malaise in February 2024, which led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with a rare KMT2A mutation. At the time, his wife Rebbecca was pregnant with their son Jimmy.
After undergoing gruelling chemotherapy and battling sepsis at Whiston Hospital, Sean achieved remission. However, the relief was short-lived as his cancer returned later that year. He then received a stem cell transplant from an American donor in December 2024, and the family believed he was on the road to recovery. But in June 2025, Sean was told the cancer had returned for a third time and was more aggressive than ever.
Last year, Sean told the ECHO: "I'm not going to say it's final. I'm going to do all I can too. I'm positive something will come up and everything which has happened has happened in time." He started a clinical drugs trial, hoping it would buy time while his family raised funds for specialist treatment abroad.
In a tragic update this month, Sean's cousin Laura O'Brien revealed that the cancer has spread and UK doctors have said there is nothing more they can do. She said: "Unfortunately, we have had some devastating news. Sean was recently admitted to hospital with Fungal Pneumonia. While in hospital for two weeks, he relapsed, and the AML is back in his blood. Sean's liver has deteriorated due to the medicines used to treat this illness, making him ineligible for more clinical trials. The UK have confirmed they will not do anything else here because of its guidelines. It is now time to get Sean abroad for special treatment. Without treatment abroad, Sean's condition is terminal. The UK have said there is nothing they can do now to help Sean."
After extensive research, Sean has chosen to receive treatment in Germany, considered one of the leading countries in Europe for AML treatment. He had a telephone meeting with a German doctor who is confident a second transplant will be safe. Sean's brothers will donate the stem cells needed for the transplant. Laura added: "Sean isn't very well at the moment; the Fungal Pneumonia has made him quite poorly. But he is using every bit of energy and strength within him, in hope this will work and be the final solution. Germany have told Sean he needs to be there within the next two to three weeks to start the process for the transplant."
The family has set a fundraising target of £150,000 to cover the initial payment for treatment. Laura said: "We have so much hope that this transplant will be the final solution. Sean has been so strong and has gone through so much, of which we are truly grateful for. He has been lucky enough to start new trials which have not only given him some valuable family time this past year, but also he has been able to help others with the trials. As a family, we are working hard to push for Sean to get to Germany for this treatment. Please if you can help us reach this target and get Sean to Germany it will be so very much appreciated."
