Man who’s dying aged 31 issues urgent warning to others to not make same mistake
Liam Griffiths is bravely sharing his story in the hopes of saving other people from making the same mistake he did.
A terminally ill man has urged people to prioritise their health after he made the ‘biggest mistake’ of his life.
Liam Griffiths is currently trying to tick things off his bucket list as fast as he can – while living with the thought that his life could have been saved if he hadn’t made one fatal error.
The 31-year-old says he is now ‘a shadow’ of his former self after receiving the devastating news that his condition was terminal, despite him being ‘the healthiest man in the world’ and a dedicated gym goer.
He said: “Physically I’m a fragile man, I’m a shadow of who I was. I was the healthiest man in the world. I trained every single day, but now I can’t even walk up the stairs without breaking a sweat.
“I am literally living the worst type of life I could have ever imagined. It’s horrible. Mentally, it’s taken it out of me. Physically, it’s taken it out of me.”
Liam explained that he began to suffer with stomach swelling, chronic constipation, cramps and vomiting back in March.
But despite his multiple ailments, he didn’t want to make a fuss and would lose out on wages due to being self-employed, so he continued to put his problem on the back burner.
However, his symptoms continued to worsen and eventually became unmanageable, forcing the lad to go to hospital.
He was initially informed that he had Crohn’s disease – where parts of the digestive system become inflamed – before doctors urgently got back in touch with him a month later to come back in.
Recalling the phone call, Liam said: “As soon as they said for me to bring my mum, Susan, I knew. I don’t even remember the hospital trip – I’ve just blocked the trauma out.”
His life was then tipped upside down when medics told him he had peritoneal cancer and would need to undergo gruelling chemotherapy treatment.
The lad also went under the knife in a bid to banish the disease, but it was unsuccessful and his condition is terminal.
The former oil rig worker, from Middlesborough, continued: “I remember I asked what my lifespan would look like and my doctor said he doesn’t want to give me a timeframe of when my life could end, because he doesn’t want me to focus my whole life around it.
“I agreed and just decided I wanted to get home, fulfil some wishes and just live my life while I can.”
Sadly, Liam’s worsening health means he has had to cross off demanding activities such as completing Tough Mudder, swimming with sharks and skiing because he ‘won’t physically be able to do’ them.
He is on a mission to create ‘key memories’ with his loved ones as well as reminding people to put their health first because he believes ignoring his symptoms and ‘not getting checked sooner is the biggest mistake’ he’s ever made.
The Brit said: “They found my cancer at stage three advanced – but if I had just gone to see the doctors earlier maybe they could have caught it. I was self-employed, and I needed the money, so I just kept powering through.
“I did what I thought a man needed to do. I was manning up.”
He added: “I want to push this message because if just one or two people go to the hospital and get checked because of my mistake and my story that would be amazing.”
The chemotherapy treatment available on the NHS is no longer working for Liam, and he is now paying for private treatment, scans and medicine in a bid to prolong his life.
His close pal Eve Bannatyne, daughter of Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne, launched a JustGiving fundraiser which has so far raised more than £18,000.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving said: “Liam is an incredible young man and we at JustGiving are in awe of his bravery.
“Not only has he found the strength to battle this horrible disease, but he also raising much needed awareness to encourage other men to get themselves checked, by sharing his own story.”
Horoscope for the 12 Zodiac Signs
🔥 Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Energy: High
Focus: Career & self-discipline
You’re fired up with fresh motivation. It’s a great time to tackle new projects or aim for a promotion. Just remember to channel your energy productively—impulsive decisions might backfire. Romance might heat up unexpectedly.
🌱 Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Energy: Steady
Focus: Finances & home
Financial opportunities may arise, especially through investments or property. You’re craving more stability and comfort—maybe it’s time to redecorate your space or invest in self-care. Trust your gut when it comes to personal relationships.
🌬 Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Energy: Curious
Focus: Communication & connections
Your words carry weight this month. Speak clearly and you’ll influence others with ease. Great time for writing, speaking, or reconnecting with old friends. Watch out for overthinking—clarity comes from slowing down.
🌊 Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Energy: Reflective
Focus: Health & emotional well-being
Your intuition is heightened. Listen to your inner voice—it’s guiding you toward emotional clarity. Focus on your routines and health; a small habit change could lead to big results. Be gentle with yourself and others.
🔥 Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Energy: Creative
Focus: Self-expression & love
You’re glowing with charm and creativity. Whether in romance or work, you’ll attract admiration. Step into the spotlight and let your talents shine, but don’t forget to share it with those who’ve supported you.
🌱 Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Energy: Practical
Focus: Home & healing
You’re in a mood to organize, clean, and create calm. This is a perfect time to declutter—both physically and emotionally. Nurture your family connections and give yourself permission to rest when needed.
🌬 Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Energy: Balanced
Focus: Learning & expression
You’re being called to share your thoughts and ideas. New learning opportunities may appear—don’t shy away from them. In relationships, strive for fairness but don’t ignore your own needs. You have more power than you realize.
🌊 Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Energy: Intense
Focus: Money & values
A deep transformation around your self-worth or finances may occur. Be mindful of where you invest your energy—financial growth is possible if you trust your instincts. Secrets may come to light, offering emotional release.
🔥 Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Energy: Expansive
Focus: Self-growth & visibility
You’re stepping into a phase of bold self-expression. Opportunities for travel or personal development may arise. Say yes to experiences that broaden your horizon. Romance could come from unexpected places—stay open.
🌱 Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Energy: Grounded
Focus: Spiritual growth & letting go
It’s a quiet but powerful time. Let go of old burdens and make peace with the past. Trust in your inner strength. Reflection now leads to major breakthroughs later. Prioritize rest and avoid overworking.
🌬 Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Energy: Innovative
Focus: Friendships & future planning
You’re full of ideas—and others want to hear them. This is a good time to collaborate or join a cause you care about. Social connections bring joy, but make sure to recharge alone when needed.
🌊 Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Energy: Dreamy
Focus: Goals & recognition
You’re closer to your dreams than you think. Step into the public eye or claim a leadership role. Your creativity and compassion make a difference—use them to inspire others. Don’t let fear of judgment hold you back.