"I won't give up!" says 27-year-old battling stage 4 cancer in Preston as hundreds donate to GoFundMe page
“I’ve come this far and I’m going to keep fighting,” says a 27-year-old battling stage four cancer in Preston.
Jamie Marvill was 24 when he noticed a pea-sized lump on his testicle three years ago. He went to his GP and scans confirmed it was 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. But 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.
Nearly £8k raised
Last week, Jamie’s friend Kieran set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his living costs while he focuses on recovery. So far, the fundraiser has raised £7,713 with nearly 300 people donating.
Kieran said 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 Jamie’s GoFundMe page, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/u6zqke-jamies-journey