Craig, 42, from Elderslie near Paisley, started experiencing symptoms in 2008, including flushing of his face and body, frequent trips to the toilet, and heart palpitations. After years of uncertainty, he was finally diagnosed with Neuroendocrine cancer in November 2013, at the age of 32. The cancer had originated in his rectum and had spread to his liver, where he now has hundreds of tumours.
Despite the devastating prognosis, Craig has defied the odds and is still alive, learning to live with his terminal illness. The news of his cancer diagnosis deeply affected his loved ones, especially his wife Angela and their two children, Adam, seven and Rhianne, 14.
Craig told Glasgow Live: “I thought my life was over when I got told I had cancer. It was quite shocking for my family too; they probably thought they are going to lose me.”
Craig initially continued working for nine months but found it increasingly difficult to manage treatments and perform his job effectively. He made the decision to step back and prioritise spending time with his children.
He emphasised how a cancer diagnosis changes one’s perspective, saying: “A cancer diagnosis will prioritise your life in a way that nothing else ever will. You will look at things in your life and think that things which weren’t a priority before become a priority. My priority in life isn’t how far I can go in my career; I have different aspirations in life.”
Neuroendocrine cancer affects around 6,000 people in the UK each year. Over the past decade, Craig has undergone eight liver operations, two heart surgeries, and various treatments, including chemotherapy, to improve his quality of life.
His health battle has been mentally challenging, with both good and bad days. However, Craig has channeled his energy into raising awareness about Neuroendocrine cancer and is now an ambassador for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK (NCUK).
In his efforts to support cancer research, Craig is organising a charity firewalk at the Johnstone Bowling Club, aiming to raise £100,000 for NCUK. He remains positive and determined, despite having hundreds of small tumours in his liver.
Craig explained: “If you see a scan, you’d think this guy has days to live, but because it is slow-growing, my body is able to adapt and live with it a bit longer.”
Craig’s ultimate hope is to find a test that can expedite the diagnosis process, enabling patients to be diagnosed earlier. He also aspires to organise a national firewalk event and encourage others across the UK to participate in similar fundraising activities. His main target is to raise one million pounds for cancer research.
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