Hello, my name is Jodie I’ve been with my partner Lewis for 15 years and together we have four beautiful children. Over the past few months, Lewis had been suffering with enlarged and painful lymph nodes in his groin and anal area. He visited the doctor three times and was unfortunately sent away with antibiotics each time. By the end of December, Lewis was in constant agony with severe abdominal pain every single day. Once New Year had passed, he returned to the doctor where they carried out a FIT test (stool test). Within three days, Lewis received a phone call referring him for an urgent specialist colonoscopy. Our worries instantly grew. After two long weeks of waiting, our worst fears were confirmed.

Lewis was diagnosed with bowel (colon) cancer. The most terrifying moment of my life was sitting beside my partner of 15 years and hearing he had Stage 3 colon cancer at just 39 years old. Nothing prepares you for words like that. It has been a devastating shock for our entire family. Lewis’s cancer has since been identified as a rare type, which means his treatment plan is more complex but also gives doctors an opportunity to learn more about this form of cancer to help future patients facing the same diagnosis. Just weeks after diagnosis, Lewis has been offered a specialist treatment plan combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy together.

His medical team believe this gives him the best possible chance. Because his cancer is rare, Lewis has been offered places on clinical trials in London, where specialists want to study his cancer and treatment response to help improve outcomes for others diagnosed with this same rare cancer in the future. While we are incredibly grateful for these opportunities, it also means Lewis must travel 86 miles each way for treatment.

This GoFundMe has been created to help with the financial strain of ongoing travel costs, allowing Lewis to focus fully on fighting cancer and recovering without the added worry of money. Any additional funds will also help provide comfort and practical support throughout his treatment journey.

 Lewis is also currently waiting to hear whether he may have Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition linked to certain cancers. This adds another layer of uncertainty for our family as we wait for answers while continuing treatment.

 After six months of treatment, Lewis is expected to undergo major surgery, followed by many more hospital appointments. He is facing an incredibly intense and challenging 12 months ahead.

 Anyone who knows Lewis knows how proud and hardworking he is. He would never want to ask for help, but right now we need it. I don’t want Lewis worrying about travel expenses or financial stress during the hardest fight of his life. No donation is too small, and every single contribution will make a difference to our family.

 If there is one thing we want people to take from Lewis’s story, it is to listen to your body. Swollen or painful lymph nodes can be a sign that something is wrong and should never be ignored. Early detection can save lives.

 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read Lewis’s story. Your kindness, support, and generosity mean more to us than words can ever express.