‘Advances in research and better treatments mean I’m still here to enjoy more precious time with my loved ones’
Rue Metha(Image: Cancer Research UK)
A father-of-two who thought he had acid reflux was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Rue Metha, from Cheadle, has told of his experience to raise awareness of an inspirational event being held in Manchester in October.
Rue, 51, started to feel unwell in 2022 and was initially treated for acid reflux. He went on to have an endoscopy then an ultrasound, which proved inconclusive. In 2023 he developed lumps in his neck and had a biopsy, which also proved inconclusive.
A gland was removed from his neck, but tests once again found nothing concerning.
But in April of that year, following a week’s holiday, he fell ill again. Cancerous cells were detected and following further tests, Rue was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A scan revealed a new lump in his neck was the size of a tennis ball.
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He was immediately booked in for chemotherapy at The Christie and had a stem cell transplant in February 2024. In November, another lump appeared in his armpit, which was removed but showed more cancer had developed.
Since November, Rue, 51, has received immunotherapy and a dose of less intensive chemotherapy every three weeks. He took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life with his family over the summer and is now waiting for a donor stem cell transplant.
Pictured with his wife, Sangeeta(Image: Cancer Research UK)
He said: “Being told I had cancer was a huge shock as I’d had so many inconclusive tests and even ended up in the infectious diseases department at one point. So many success stories like mine are made possible by the work of Cancer Research UK. Advances in research and better treatments mean I’m still here to enjoy more precious time with my loved ones.”
The charity’s 10k Shine Night Walk returns to Manchester on Friday October 10.
Starting at Castlefield Bowl, participants will walk their way through the heart of Manchester in a neon-glowing parade of light that takes in some of the city’s most loved landmarks from the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Art Gallery and the Chinatown Arch.
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Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Greater Manchester, Jane Bullock, said: “Our vision is a world where everybody lives longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer and money raised through events like Shine Night Walk is critical to making this a reality. Whether people walk for loved ones, for future generations or with friends old and new, they’ll be helping to power more progress – October 10 is Manchester’s moment to shine.”
To enter or volunteer, visit shinewalk.org
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