Man given horror diagnosis after stomach pain says he'll 'take it on chin'

08 October 2023 , 13:27

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Liam Griffiths has terminal cancer at the age of 31 (Image: UGC)

A man who was left devastated after finding out his stomach pains were a rare and terminal form of cancer has gone on to say he will 'take it on the chin' until the end.

Teessider Liam, 31 was given an operation and tests before doctors told him he has peritoneal cancer – which starts in the lining of the abdomen – and from which there is no hope of recovery. But a kind friend – Eve Bannatyne, daughter of Dragon's Den star, Duncan Bannatyne – stepped in by starting a funding page which has so far raised a staggering £14,369 to support Liam and help ease his suffering. Eve initially set the fundraising target at £10,000, but within days it had far exceeded that.

Liam, who lives in Ingleby Barwick and is now too ill to work, said he has been researching medications such as CBD oil in a bid to help with the pain and possible treatments which might allow him to live a little longer. Liam said he has been overwhelmed by all the kind people who have built up the huge amount of money that has already been donated, especially when the public are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and Christmas is fast approaching.

Liam Griffiths has had a fundraising page set up by a kind friend (UGC)

He said: "I am the type of person who would never ask anyone for help, I am full of pride. But, when something like this happens you are backed into a corner really. The people of Teesside have taken it to the next level." Liam said he was offshore in March when his symptoms began, giving him severe stomach pain and persistent constipation. After arriving back onshore, he went to North Tees Hospital where doctors suspected Crohn's Disease.

However, he was rushed into surgery after a scan revealed a perforated bowel and just a few weeks later he was given the devastating terminal diagnosis. Liam added: "I took it on the chin really and I will continue to take it on the chin until I go. I'm glad it's me and no one else. I don't have a girlfriend or kids so that's a good thing."

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Liam's mum, Susan Huskinson, 56, said: "We are not taking it in. It is like it is happening to someone else. Liam is a proper character. He is so outgoing and a well-loved lad." She said the family, including her other sons, Daniel 35 and Arron, 32, will spend what is likely to be Liam's last Christmas together in a cabin. She added that she knew he had many friends, but has been humbled by the generosity and the amount of money raised for him in such a short time.

On the crowdfunding post Eve wrote: "Liam has shown incredible strength and resilience throughout this challenging journey and has the biggest heart. He doesn't deserve to go through any of this. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a world of difference. We adore and love you so much Liam."

The fundraising page can be viewed here.

Sue Kirby