At the age of 39 I should probably be having a midlife crisis but instead I have the sad news to report that instead I have a stage 4 terminal cancer in my cecum/appendix. Being stage four means the cancer has already spread and it is spread a lot within my gut. I have been given a lot of chemotherapy which was holding the cancer back, but no longer seems to be effective. It is unclear exactly how long I have left, but certainly not as long as I would like.
I have focused in the last few months on my cats and my science. Kitty cuddles and the joy of discovery are still keeping me going. I would like to thank my wife who has kept me going and I cannot praise her enough for her care and sacrifice. I would also like to thank my neighbours and my academic colleagues. They have been amazing in so many ways including driving me to chemo appointments, given nobody in my Home drives they have been amazingly supportive in so many other ways.
I started my own research Lab 1.5 years ago. One year before my cancer diagnosis in January 2026. Special thanks has to go to this team of amazing people who are not only doing absolutely exceptional science, but are also some other nicest human beings I’ve had the privilege to know. Before starting my own Lab I had always hoped to cultivate a culture that was welcoming, collaborative, and kind. So far I would say mission accomplished. We have had a number of students already passed through the Lab and the most recent feedback I had from one of our undergraduates praised not only our science but the welcoming atmosphere, and I could not be more proud. They have had to create a lot more independence than they should have had to due to my illness. so I’m extremely proud of this team.
Furthermore, I need to thank Ryan Lister his whole Lab for their support for all of this. Working with them as a postdoc was an extremely great honour and last year we stayed as close collaborators. Ryan and his team have been phenomenal in supporting me since I got ill and I am deeply grateful for the integration that we have with them.
I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that it is not going to be an easy road for me. But I am excited by the science we are doing, the students we are able to train, and the people that I can help. The support I have received and reminds me of an important lesson that I probably learned later in life but is exceedingly important to me. And that is to pay it forward, always try to help someone in need even if there is no upside for you. Not because it will benefit you, but because the world needs more of that kindness. And the more kindness that we put into the world like that, the more will perpetuate raise all of us up.