Young Father Faces Rare Cancer Diagnosis After Months of Pain

Tom Hayman, a 28-year-old father from Warrington, recently received a life-altering diagnosis after months of experiencing unexplained stomach pain. Initially dismissed by medical professionals, his ongoing health concerns culminated in the discovery of a rare form of cancer known as a neuroendocrine tumour, which has spread from his pancreas to his liver.

During the summer of 2024, Tom began losing significant weight and suffered severe stomach pain that persisted even when he attempted to eat. His fiancée, Mary Cooper, 28, described him as the “kindest, most generous man you’ll ever meet.” As his health declined, the couple sought medical help, visiting their local doctor seven times between January and May 2025, but were repeatedly reassured that his symptoms were not serious.

After persistent efforts, Tom was finally referred for an ultrasound scan. The initial scans conducted at their local hospital yielded inconclusive results, prompting further testing in London. It was there that he received the devastating news of his diagnosis.

According to Cancer Research UK, neuroendocrine tumours originate in neuroendocrine cells, which are found in various organs. These tumours can manifest in different ways, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, and digestive issues. The rarity of this cancer makes prognosis difficult, with many patients facing uncertainty regarding their survival chances.

Mary shared the emotional turmoil of their first appointment at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. “We expected to hear that he would have surgery and chemotherapy, but instead, we were told it was incurable,” she recounted. The couple struggled to comprehend the weight of this revelation, with Tom deeply concerned about leaving Mary and their four-year-old son, Ronnie, behind.

The family now grapples with an uncertain future, as they are unable to determine how much time Tom has left. Mary expressed her frustration: “In England, we’ve basically been told, you’ve got as long as you’ve got. Does that mean three years or does it mean 30 years? They don’t know.”

Despite the grim diagnosis, the couple holds onto hope through dendritic cell therapy, a form of immunotherapy that enhances the immune system’s ability to combat cancer. Mary noted that medical professionals in Germany informed her that the UK is significantly behind in treatment options for neuroendocrine tumours.

The financial burden associated with this treatment is substantial, encompassing medical fees, travel, accommodation, and lost work time as Tom focuses on recovery. To help alleviate these costs, Mary established a GoFundMe page, aiming to raise £50,000. “Tom never asks for help from anybody, so for him to let me do this is a big thing because he knows how important it is,” Mary explained.

In addition to online fundraising, a fundraising event will be held at Alford Hall Sports and Social Club in Warrington on February 28, 2025. Tickets are priced at £20 per adult, and the evening will feature a live auction, raffle, hot food, and live music. As of now, more than £17,000 has been raised, providing the family with a sense of community support. Mary remarked, “Tom keeps saying, ‘I can feel the love, I just feel that everyone’s rooting for me.’”

Amid the challenges they face, Tom hopes to use his experience to raise awareness about neuroendocrine tumours. He wants to encourage others to advocate for their health if they experience concerning symptoms. “You know your own body, and if something doesn’t feel right, you’ve got to advocate for yourself,” Mary emphasized.

As Tom continues his fight against cancer, the family remains committed to spreading the message that early detection and intervention can make a difference, regardless of age.