A loving dad-of-two was left heartbroken after being diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer just a day after his 50th birthday.
Chris Cotton first noticed something amiss in October 2022 when he experienced pain while urinating and found himself needing the toilet more often than usual.
Initially thinking it was a urinary tract infection, he sought help from his GP and was prescribed antibiotics, even resorting to cranberry juice to alleviate the discomfort.
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His symptoms seemed to improve, but the relief was fleeting as the pain soon returned.
Despite repeated visits to his doctor, it wasn't until January 2024 that Chris was referred to Leighton Hospital in Crewe for further tests.
A CT scan and biopsy revealed the shocking truth - Chris had muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Surgeons removed a 10cm tumour from his bladder, but the biopsy results confirmed the disease had already spread to his pelvic lymph nodes and a vessel near his bladder, rendering the cancer terminal.
The heartbreaking diagnosis was delivered on January 3, 2025, just one day after Chris celebrated his milestone birthday.
Doctors gave him a life expectancy of between 12 and 24 months, reports the Mirror.
"Hearing those words was surreal," Chris admitted. "It was a huge shock - not just to me, but to my incredibly strong and supportive wife Hannah, and our two wonderful daughters, aged 12 and 14.
"Our world changed overnight to a world of learning new things about cancer, hospital appointments, and difficult conversations with family and friends."
The father, from Sandbach, Cheshire, continued: "When I asked about a time frame, the oncologist said that if the cancer continued to spread and other options didn't work, I'd be looking at 12 to 24 months.
"I was upset at that point. Your mind starts racing. If I only have that long to live - what do I do? There are things I wanted to do in my lifetime, places I wanted to see."
Despite facing a grim prognosis, Chris has embarked on six cycles of chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester with the hopes of extending his life as much as possible, determined to find meaning amidst the struggle.
Alongside treatment, he's channelling his efforts into fundraising for Maggie's, a cancer care charity which has been a pillar of support through his journey.
On September 7, 2025, embodying a fighter's spirit, Chris is set to participate in the Tour De 4 – a 56-mile cycle round in Glasgow championed by Sir Chris Hoy's charity, fuelled by inspiration from the Olympic star's own confrontation with stage 4 prostate cancer.
"When I heard that Sir Chris Hoy had been diagnosed, it gave me hope," shared Chris.
"His approach to the diagnosis inspired me. Cycling has always been a big part of my life, from racing in town centres as a teenager to completing extreme Ironman triathlons.
"It's something I've always found great solace in, especially during tough times."
Chris is sharing his story in the hope that it will help others identify the early signs of bladder cancer and seek medical help in time.
The NHS states that symptoms can include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent or urgent need to urinate, pelvic or bone pain, unintentional weight loss, and leg swelling.
Chris urged: "I want people to listen to their bodies. Don't ignore the signs.
"If something doesn't feel right, get it checked. If telling my story helps even one person get diagnosed earlier, then it's worth it."
