Nelmer's Story

Nelmer was fast tracked for a colonoscopy in January 2023, after having his first symptoms on 28th December.

On the 10th February we arrived for the appointment, after the procedure we were taken into a room and were given the news. They had found a 6cm tumour. A few weeks later, at the age of 42, he got a diagnosis of colorectal cancer that had metastasized (spread) to his liver. Stage 4 terminal cancer.

We then waited for a date for chemotherapy to start, 12 cycles over a 6 month period. 22nd March came and he started.

The half way scan results surprised everyone, including our oncologist, the cancer had “ shrunk considerably in all areas” , yep we did get our hopes up. Finished the 12 cycles, had next scan, we went to the appointment feeling nervous but positive, only to be told the cancer had grown back to its original size. “ cancer is unpredictable” they said.

A different type of chemo was offered, Nelmer started the beginning of November.
We carried on living and making memories, we renewed our wedding vows ( 18 years of being husband and wife) , Christmas memories were made too🎄

On the 20th February he took his last breath.

Richard Nelmes , but EVERYONE, including me called him Nelmer, was the most inspirational legend. Once met, he was hard to forget , for all the right reasons.

He had a plan he was going to fight , win, and make the most incredible come back of all time!
That wasn’t how the story ended but that is definitely not the end of our story ❤️

Having this break away has given me and our 3 boys something to look forward too. We will be celebrating our son’s 18th while we are staying, so thank-you and we are incredibly grateful to Ben’s foundation.

The Nelmers 🥰

Sarah, Finley, Jenson, Dexter
and Bella the dog 😊