Telford firefighter faces rare cancer battle

A Telford firefighter and father of two is fighting for his life after being told a rare form of cancer has spread to his spine and pelvis—a diagnosis his family claims was delayed by repeated medical oversight.

Tyler, 35, was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma in November 2025. Despite being a young non-smoker, he underwent major surgery in December to remove his left kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff. While the surgery was initially deemed a success, his recovery was marred by a life-threatening bout of appendicitis and peritonitis just one week later.

However, the primary concern for his wife, Chloe, was the persistent back pain Tyler reported throughout late December and January. According to Chloe, these concerns were repeatedly dismissed by various medical professionals as “musculoskeletal pain” or “referred pain,” with Tyler being offered physiotherapy and painkillers rather than further investigation.

“Throughout the end of December and January Tyler complained regularly with his symptoms being ignored,” Chloe shared. Even after a CT scan on 16 January was reported as having “no concerns,” Tyler continued to seek help for “off the chart” pain levels.

The family’s world changed on 3 February. After Chloe demanded more tests, a review of previous imaging and an MRI revealed a fractured vertebrae caused by the cancer spreading. Multiple lesions were found on Tyler’s spine and pelvis.

Following the discovery, Tyler underwent five days of aggressive radiotherapy and has begun a new immunotherapy hybrid. However, the prognosis from the NHS remains bleak, with the family being told he may have only 10 to 30 months left with his current treatment options.

Tyler is well known in the local community, particularly in local sports. He has been a regular fixture on the sidelines for Randlay Colts, where he helped run the team and frequently acted as linesman for his son’s matches in the Telford league.

The family is currently looking into options at The Christie and the Royal Marsden, as well as potential treatment abroad, to give Tyler more time with his children, Rowan and Aubree. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help fund these private and international avenues as they await a full breakdown of costs.

The fundraising page: https://gofund.me/7fdaa14e6