Courageous Dad Completes Cancer Treatment, Thanks to Wife and NHS

Strategic Insights -

Ian Milton, a Paisley dad, credits his wife Stacey with saving his life after he initially dismissed a persistent cough as a severe cold or Covid-19. Despite antibiotics failing to shift the issue and suffering sudden weight loss, Ian's wife Stacey Milton, 34, persisted in convincing him to return to the GP for tests. Just days later, on March 30, Ian was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Now, after five months and 20 chemotherapy sessions, Ian will mark the completion of his treatment as guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Shine Night Walk in Edinburgh.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ian Milton, a 35-year-old ambulance care assistant from Paisley, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma on March 30, after initially dismissing symptoms as a severe cold or Covid-19.
  • Ian credits his wife, Stacey Milton, 34, with convincing him to return to the GP for tests, which led to his diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
  • Ian underwent 20 chemotherapy sessions, which included losing his hair due to the side effects, but remained determined to spend time with his children, Keira, 16, and Ollie, 10.
  • Ian's treatment was supported by his family, including his children, who coped well with the news, and the NHS, which he praises for their "brilliance."
  • Ian will be guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Shine Night Walk in Edinburgh, where he will sound the horn to start the 10k trail, raising money to help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancers.
  • Cancer Research UK's scientists have helped to double cancer survival in the UK in the last 50 years and aim to continue making progress in cancer research.
  • Ian urges people to help beat cancer "one stride at a time" by participating in the Shine Night Walk event, which starts at the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound at 7pm on September 27.

Statistics:

  • Every year, around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland (Cancer Research UK).
  • Ian, a busy dad, was working full-time and hoping his symptoms would just disappear, but ultimately had to take time off to undergo treatment.
  • Ian attended most of his son's football games and drove his daughter Keira to dance classes despite feeling unwell.
  • Ian had his final chemotherapy session in July and continues to receive regular check-ups, with latest scans showing no evidence of disease.

Sources:

  • Stacey and Ian Milton, via the Express
  • Cancer Research UK, as cited by Lisa Adams, Spokeswoman for Scotland