A dad who went to his doctor with a lingering tickly tough has been given just months to live after being diagnosed with a rare cancer.
Martin Hughes, 37, first noticed the cough in November 2022 after returning from a holiday to Greece. Just before Christmas he visited the doctor after failing to shift it, and was later told he had throat cancer.
His doctor told him 'not to worry' as most forms of the condition are easily treated - but after further tests, Martin was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the throat - small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma - after it spread from his bowel, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Martin's friends and family are now appealing to the public to help fundraise for his treatment, which will not be covered by the NHS according to childhood friend Richard.
"Because the cancer spread from his bowel and straight to his throat, missing out his lungs he doesn't fit the criteria to have it [immunotherapy] on the NHS. He doesn't tick a box," he said.
"They have told him it's going to be months he has left to live. He's not in palliative care or anything, he is at home and fine in himself.
"Martin is fighting for his life with all the stubbornness and enthusiasm he has. He's a stubborn b*****d and this won't beat him. I do think he's putting on a brave face for everybody at the moment."
Richard said Martin is in need of a variety of treatments, including oxygen tanks, at a cost of around £6,500 every three weeks to him and his family.
"This barely being met by Martin and his family," he said. "This cost will not stop, it will only increase as the weeks go on."
Martin's friends have now created a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising £7,000 to help pay for some of his treatment. Richard along with Roberto Bromilow, Michael Wilson, Daniel Mather and Craig Witton will be doing a bike ride from Goodison Park to Old Trafford on April 8 in the hope of raising money towards the GoFundMe.
There is also a fundraising night being organised for March 31 to "further add to the pot".
Richard said: "Being faced with this battle, financial implications are the last thing he should be worrying about. Times are hard financially for everyone and we appreciate that, but if anyone could spare anything to help save the life of one of the kindest, most loveable lads you would ever meet, it would be appreciated by everyone who has ever had the privilege of meeting Martin."
To donate to Martin's GoFundMe page, click here.
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