Christmas shattered after fit dad from Buckinghamshire finds lump in throat
A young family received devastating news on Christmas Eve, after the fit and healthy dad noticed a lump in his throat that would change his life forever.
Terry began losing weight and found it increasingly difficult to eat in late 2025, at just 46 years-old. When he later noticed a lump in his throat, he did the brave and responsible thing and sought medical advice.
After different tests and scans over several weeks, Terry and his family received devastating news on Christmas Eve. Their world was turned upside down with his cancer diagnosis - a tumour at the base of his tongue, extending into his tonsils and lymph nodes.
With Terry previously being fit, healthy and full of life, the diagnosis came completely out of the blue. He loved mountain biking and spending time outdoors with his wife, Gerri, their two children, Archie aged 7 and Edie aged 4, and their loyal cocker spaniel, Jack. It has been an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time for Terry, his family, and everyone who loves them.
Terry’s wife Gerri said: “Despite knowing something was definitely wrong, nothing prepares you for being told you may have cancer. What followed were weeks of tests, long days at the hospital, and the agonising wait for a full diagnosis. You try to carry on as normally as possible for the children, but the uncertainty hangs over you.
“It's a bottomless fear of the outcome, and it’s there every morning when you wake up and the last thing on your mind at night. It’s been frightening, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming for us all.”
Terry’s treatment plan involves intensive daily radiotherapy in Oxford, alongside chemotherapy. He has had a feeding tube fitted, as he won’t be able to eat, and is expected to be unable to work for a minimum of six months. During this time, he needs to focus on treatment and recovery, while spending as much time as he can with his family.
As a result of Terry’s diagnosis and being unable to work, his family is facing huge financial pressures. Terry’s friends have set up a gofundme page to help support him and his young family.
Funds raised will go directly towards essential living costs, including mortgage payments, household bills, and weekly food shopping. Donations can be made through Terry’s Gofundme page.
So far the fundraiser has received £6,219, with a goal of reaching £10,000. When asked what the public support has meant to him and his family, Terry said: “I am struggling to find the words if I am honest. Knowing that others are behind us has made it easier to bear and given me the much-needed strength to get through it.”
Gerri said: “The support has been profoundly humbling. Messages from our dear friends, neighbours, and even people we’ve never met have reminded us that we’re not facing this alone.
“Practically, the fundraising is helping to ease some of the financial pressure during a time when work, energy, and normal life are on hold — but emotionally, the kindness and generosity have carried us through some very dark days.