Dave Paxton, a 38-year-old father from Burton-on-Trent, is currently fighting for his life after being diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of bowel cancer ever recorded—a grade-four squamous cell tumour of the duodenum. Globally, only 22 similar cases have ever been documented, making his diagnosis not only devastating but also medically extraordinary.
The diagnosis came not from a routine screening or emergency room visit, but from an unexpected conversation at a local pharmacy. While picking up anxiety medication, a concerned pharmacist casually asked Dave if he had any other health worries. He hesitated, then mentioned he had noticed unusually dark stools. That small admission triggered a referral to his GP and, within days, a series of tests led to the shocking discovery of an aggressive, late-stage cancer.
“This is terrifying,” Dave told *Yorkshire Live*. “I never imagined that a simple pharmacy visit would lead to something like this. The treatment side effects are horrendous, but I’m so grateful to that pharmacist for checking in. I might not have said anything otherwise.”
Since the diagnosis, Dave’s condition has worsened. The cancer has spread to his liver, where it has caused dangerous internal bleeding. As a result, he now requires blood transfusions every four days. His treatment regimen includes a demanding combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in an effort to contain the disease, but doctors remain uncertain about the outcome.
Because the type of cancer is so rare, medical experts have been unable to offer a clear prognosis or life expectancy. Despite the uncertainty, Dave remains focused on the most important person in his life—his nine-year-old son, Stanley. “He’s my world,” Dave said. “Every moment I get with him is worth fighting for.”
Determined to explore every possible treatment option, Dave and his family have turned their attention to immunotherapy. Specifically, they’re hoping to access a promising treatment using pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that has shown success in treating certain rare cancers. Unfortunately, because of the uniqueness of Dave’s diagnosis, his health insurance does not cover the treatment.
In response, Dave’s twin brother, Mark Paxton, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for 24 sessions of immunotherapy. The goal is ambitious but potentially life-changing. “If I can get the 24 sessions of immunotherapy,” Dave said, “I could be in remission by Christmas.”
The community has begun rallying around the family, sharing the fundraiser and offering support in various ways. Each donation, no matter how small, brings hope for more time—a few more birthdays, school runs, or quiet evenings at home.
Dave’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how small moments—like a conversation at the pharmacy—can make a life-saving difference. It also underscores the importance of speaking up about unusual health symptoms, even if they seem minor at the time.
To support Dave’s journey and help him access treatment, visit the GoFundMe page created by his brother. Every contribution counts in the fight to give a devoted father more time with his son.