Blackpool man seeks treatment after terminal cancer diagnosis

Des Longstaff, a 39-year-old father from Blackpool, faces a dire health crisis after being diagnosed with advanced stage-four oesophageal adenocarcinoma. This aggressive cancer affects his oesophagus and has spread to his liver. Des's diagnosis came after he had difficulty swallowing a bacon and sausage sandwich at work. Initially, Des thought something was stuck in his throat. He quickly sought medical help when he began to vomit blood and noticed blood in his stool. Doctors discovered a 35cm tumor in his lower oesophagus just before Christmas. Although he hoped for surgery, the cancer had already spread, limiting his treatment options. Des has started palliative care, including immunotherapy and light chemotherapy. This treatment aims to keep him comfortable and slow the cancer's progression. The NHS has given him a life expectancy of about 12 months. His mother, Tracy, has set up a GoFundMe page. The goal is to raise £44,000 for Des to pursue experimental treatments in Germany, where he believes he could have a better chance of survival. The fundraiser has already raised around £42,700. Des is optimistic about the treatment in Germany. He explained that the plan involves targeting the cancer in his liver while addressing the main tumor in his oesophagus. He hopes that this will allow him more time to spend with his five-year-old son, whom he calls "the apple of my eye."