Remarkable cancer survivor raises £21,000 to fund “desperately needed” NHS equipment

A remarkable man who was given 6 months to live has raised £21,000 for a head and neck scanner to help other cancer patients.

Warwick Smith, from Littleborough, is now in remission from stage 4 throat cancer after being told he won’t survive. Now in remission, the 67-year-old is dedicating his life to helping other cancer patients get the treatment they desperately need.

Following his diagnosis in 2022, Warwick underwent surgery in December the same year, followed by intensive rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Nearly two years later, he remains cancer-free, through says his experience of having to wait for a scanner could have cost him, and may cost others, their lives.

Determined to make a difference, he decided to raise the funds himself to buy the equipment, which will allow patients to receive a cancer scan at their first appointment, with biopsies taken immediately – eliminating the need for general anaesthesia.

The scanner could significantly speed up diagnosis, save NHS resources, and reduce the anxiety and suffering caused by delayed diagnoses.

Warwick knows firsthand how crucial early detection is, having waited five months after his initial GP visit to receive his own diagnosis. “By the time I was diagnosed, my cancer had progressed to stage 4. There is no stage 5 – it’s death,” Warwick said. “By buying this scanner, we could avoid this situation for countless patients in the future.”

So far, Warwick has raised an outstanding £21,000, a testament to the generosity of the local community and the urgency of his cause.

His fundraising efforts have drawn support from many, including his surgeon, Mr. Alex Bowen, consultant ENT head and neck surgeon, who has suggested that the funds could also be used to purchase portable handheld ultrasound scanners for dynamic USS-guided biopsies in clinics.

September fundraiser

Warwick’s next fundraiser will take place at the Dyers Arms in Littleborough on Saturday 14 September. The local pub will host a full day of swing music from Sinatra to Buble, and everyone is welcome.

See more about the event here.

Littleborough business Althams Travel Services has contributed to the cause by donating £150 worth of travel vouchers, which will be raffled off at the event.

Warwick expressed his heartfelt thanks for this generous contribution.

Despite undergoing a laryngectomy that left him with a speech valve after the removal of his vocal cords, Warwick remains undeterred in his efforts. “I’m trying to give back now,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of speaking with his new voice but remaining passionately committed to his mission.

 

 

Warwick has also documented his experience in a book titled My Laryngectomy Journey: Over 20 Poems Written as Events Happened, which is available on Amazon.

All proceeds from the book sales go towards his fundraiser. His GoFundMe page has already garnered significant support, with donations pushing the total raised to £21,000.

Warwick’s story is not just one of survival but of determination to make a lasting impact. His efforts offer hope to future cancer patients, promising faster diagnoses and better outcomes for those who may face a similar journey.

To donate, visit Warwick's GoFundMe page here.