'It all started with a pea-sized lump at 24 - three years later I'm battling stage 4 cancer in Preston'
A 27-year-old Preston man says his life changed forever after finding what he thought was a small lump - a discovery that led to a three-year fight against stage four cancer.
Jamie Marvill was just 24 when he noticed a pea-sized lump on his testicle and went to his GP.
Scans confirmed testicular cancer, and he underwent surgery to remove the testicle and have a prosthetic fitted.
“I got the all-clear from that,” he said. “I thought I could breathe again.”
But just months later, while on holiday with friends in Ibiza in April 2024, Jamie received a call from doctors telling him to return home immediately.
The cancer had spread to both lungs.
“I was diagnosed with stage four mixed germ cell cancer,” he said. “It was a massive shock.”
Jamie underwent nine rounds of chemotherapy at Royal Preston Hospital, shrinking the tumours before surgeons removed 13 from his right lung.
Another operation removed a tumour from his left lung for testing.
Within weeks, the cancer returned.
He was referred to a specialist centre in Manchester for more intensive chemotherapy after tumour markers reached what he described as “ridiculously high” levels.
Then, just before Christmas last year, Jamie suffered a major seizure and stopped breathing.
Emergency scans revealed tumours at the back of his brain.
He underwent brain surgery on January 17 and is now waiting for results to determine whether the operation was successful and what treatment may come next.
“The brain cancer is the scariest part,” he said. “That’s been the hardest bit.”
Jamie has been unable to work for six months and says the financial strain has added to the emotional toll of treatment.
A GoFundMe page set up by friend Kieran is helping cover living costs while he focuses on recovery.
20 per cent of donations will also go to the neurological ward at Royal Preston Hospital.
“I don’t want to be worrying about money while I’m fighting this,” Jamie said.
“The support has been amazing. I wouldn’t be where I am without my friends and family.”
He is now urging others not to ignore symptoms.
“If something doesn’t feel right in your body, go and get checked,” he said. “Don’t be embarrassed. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
Despite the uncertainty ahead, Jamie says he refuses to give up.
“A positive mindset goes a long way,” he said. “I’ve come this far and I’m going to keep fighting.”
To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/u6zqke-jamies-journey