Tom Hayman a member of the Lancashire Gas Services team has been diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer

Please see below Toms story which has been written by his Partner Mary

Tom’s Story – Awareness For Early Diagnosis

Back in January, Tom started visiting the GP after noticing rapid weight loss, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. He was dismissed time and time again, told it was “acid reflux” or that he was “drinking too many fizzy drinks.”

After six or seven appointments, he was finally referred for an ultrasound, the GP said that “it’s nothing to worry about — you’re only 27, you’re too young to have cancer.”

A day later, everything changed. The ultrasound showed a mass on Toms liver. He was then sent for a CT scan and although we tried to stay positive, we soon received the devastating news that no one wants to hear, especially at 27 years old — Tom had cancer.

After a Liver biopsy we were sent to Royal Liverpool Hospital, where they revealed that Tom had Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) — a rare and incurable form of cancer that had started in his pancreas and spread to his liver.

We were sent to London for specialist scans to determine the best treatment plan. Our worlds had fell apart. The thought of Tom living with cancer while raising our little boy Ronnie was something no family ever expects to face. Tom was referred to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, where the doctors recommended a targeted chemotherapy tablet designed to attack the tumours directly. Despite all the fear and uncertainty, that appointment gave us hope for the first time in months. We were assured that people can live with cancer. We finally started to get our heads round everything and Tom really started to have a positive mindset. He is just so incredible.

Tom has been on Chemo for 3 months now and yesterday was his first CT review, we were so nervous and scared about what they were going to say. Had the tumours got bigger or spread? For the first time we were met with good news.

There has been visible shrinkage — the lymph glands in his abdomen have shrunk by several millimetres, and the tumours in his liver have also shrunk. His pancreas remains stable. For the first time in a long while, it felt like we could breathe again. This treatment is working — it’s saving Tom’s life.

The past four months have been an emotional rollercoaster, there has been many tears, fear, hospital trips, and sleepless nights, but also moments of love, hope and laughter.

Through it all, Tom remains our rock. He’s returned to work, continues to provide for our family, and remains the most incredible dad and partner. I’m beyond proud of the strength and positivity he’s shown through everything.

No one should be dismissed because of their age or made to feel like their symptoms don’t matter. If you feel something isn’t right, keep pushing for answers. Trust your instincts.

It could save your life.

Latest update 27/11/2025

I have been in contact with Tom who is unfortunately in back in hospital with a Infection. Tom's immune system is very low at the moment with his current treatment medication.

We really do wish Tom all the best throughout his treatment process, I have started this Fundraising page to raise awareness of his condition and to raise money which will support Tom and his family with any treatments costs, travelling to hospitals and perhaps give him financial support over the Christmas Period.

Joe Ashworth

Toms Workplace manager

Lancashire Gas services