Matt Norman, a 34-year-old father of three from Colchester, Essex, initially believed he had merely "tweaked a muscle" at his physically demanding job building tractors. However, the rib pain that began in April 2025 turned out to be incurable stage four lung cancer.
From Muscle Strain to Cancer Diagnosis
Matt's rib pain persisted for two months, becoming constant. He left work early to visit Basildon University Hospital's A&E, where a chest x-ray and blood tests were performed. Although doctors initially "didn't see anything" on the x-ray, further ultrasounds, PET and CT scans, and a lung biopsy confirmed the devastating diagnosis: stage four lung cancer that had spread to his outer chest wall.
He received the diagnosis in June 2025, just three weeks after his first A&E visit. "From the day I walked into A&E and the day I got my diagnosis it was no more than three weeks," Matt said.
Treatment and Complications
Matt began chemotherapy and immunotherapy but had to halt chemotherapy due to liver complications. He continues to receive immunotherapy infusions every three weeks, aiming to "keep it stable" as the cancer is inoperable. A recent scan showed his tumours have enlarged and may have spread to his other lung, though medics initially were uncertain whether it was cancer or a chest infection.
Focus on Family
Matt has shifted his focus from fighting the illness to cherishing time with his wife Yasmine, 33, and their three children: stepsons aged 13 and 12, and a five-year-old son. "Even the kids are very resilient as to what becomes the new normal for them, but they understand," he said. The youngest struggles more: "All he knows is I'm not well and he can't jump on me and stuff."
Matt and Yasmine married in March 2026 and recently went on a honeymoon to Thailand. He hopes to take a family holiday while he is still able. "I am still mobile and can still do stuff. I get out of breath quickly occasionally and other things but I can still do stuff with them. There will come a point I won't be able to," he said.
Return to Work and Fundraising
After a year away from work, Matt hopes to gradually return in a more office-based role. He has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled "Making Memories" to raise money for family experiences. "I've got more support than I know what to do with from my family," he said. The fundraiser can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/making-memories-6qac7.
