John Robertson, a 35-year-old father of three from Ayr, has been given just nine months to live after being diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The cancer has spread to multiple parts of his body, including his liver, lungs, throat, and right adrenal gland.
Swallowing difficulties led to diagnosis
In February, John began experiencing difficulties swallowing food, which caused him to lose three stone in just two and a half months. He also suffered from agonizing chest pains similar to a heart attack. After visiting his GP, he was fast-tracked for an endoscopy, which revealed a bleed and a mass tumour covering 75 per cent of his oesophagus.
John, a glazier by trade, had always enjoyed good health until the symptoms appeared. He told the Daily Record: "It was the most devastating, world-crushing news. My world fell apart."
Family left devastated
John is married to Nicole, 29, and they have three children: Jorja, 15, Paris-Cole, eight, and Clay-Ty, four. He said: "My kids don't deserve to lose their dad so young. I want to watch them grow up and guide them through life."
He added: "To know I might not be here to walk my daughters down the aisle or watch my son grow into the gentleman he is already becoming is heartbreaking. I don't want them to remember me as ill."
Cancer was undetectable until too late
Doctors told John that the cancer could not have been detected earlier because symptoms only appeared once it had progressed. He may have been living with the tumour for several years. He is now on a liquid diet and is due to begin chemotherapy this month, possibly requiring a feeding tube.
John recalled: "I remember seeing a pool of blood in my throat on the screen during the endoscopy. The doctor's face dropped."
Fundraising for private treatment and memories
John has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of private medical treatments and clinical trials not available on the NHS. He is awaiting decisions on trials in Germany and London. The funds will also be used to create cherished moments with his family.
He said: "We're trying to cram a lifetime of experiences into a few months. I'm writing cards and recording video messages for my family to cover birthdays and other celebrations."
