At just 31 years old, Liam Griffiths is facing a devastating reality: his life could have been saved if he had acted sooner. Now, as he battles terminal cancer, Liam is determined to share his story and warn others not to make the same mistake he did.
Liam’s health began to decline in March, with symptoms including stomach swelling, chronic constipation, cramps, and vomiting. Despite his suffering, he put off seeking medical help, fearing he would lose wages as a self-employed individual. This decision, Liam believes, has cost him dearly.
When Liam’s symptoms became unbearable, he finally sought medical attention. Initially, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, but a month later, doctors delivered the devastating news: Liam had peritoneal cancer, and his condition was terminal.
The diagnosis shook Liam’s world, forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities. He underwent chemotherapy and surgery, but unfortunately, the treatment was unsuccessful. Now, Liam is on a mission to create lasting memories with his loved ones and spread a crucial message: prioritize your health.
Liam’s cancer was diagnosed at stage three, advanced. He believes that if he had sought medical help sooner, his fate might have been different. “Ignoring my symptoms and not getting checked sooner is the biggest mistake I’ve ever made,” Liam admits.
The chemotherapy treatment available on the NHS is no longer effective for Liam, so he’s now paying for private treatment, scans, and medicine to prolong his life. A JustGiving fundraiser launched by his friend Eve Bannatyne has raised over £18,000 to support Liam’s treatment.
Liam’s story serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize our health. By sharing his experience, he hopes to inspire others to seek medical help sooner rather than later. As Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, notes, “Liam is an incredible young man… his bravery and selflessness in sharing his story will undoubtedly inspire others to take action.”
