Ashley Robinson, a 35-year-old chef from Dacorum, Hertfordshire, is facing a challenging battle with stage four bowel cancer, following a series of misdiagnoses that started just weeks before his wedding. In May 2024, Ashley began experiencing alarming symptoms, including extensive blood loss in his stools. Despite these issues and a family history of colon cancer—his great-grandmother died from the disease—Ashley claims he was reassured by healthcare professionals who attributed his condition to stress and dismissed his concerns as he prepared for his wedding to Jasmin Robinson, aged 27.

The couple, who met at the gym in 2019, had planned a lavish wedding, which Ashley believed might have triggered his symptoms due to the added stress of managing both wedding preparations and a demanding work schedule of over 60 hours a week. “In May 2024 I started passing quite a lot of blood when I was going for a number two,” he told The Bristol Post. When he reached out to his GP for help, he was told that he was ‘too young for cancer’ and that his symptoms would likely pass.

As his condition worsened, with dramatic weight loss of nearly 12 kilograms in just one week following the wedding, Ashley’s frustration grew. He attempted to secure further appointments but was denied, prompting Jasmin to take action on his behalf, reportedly “storming into the practice” to demand a consultation. Ultimately, her intervention led to a colonoscopy, revealing a tumour the size of an orange within his colon. The couple received the shocking news in August that the cancer had progressed to stage four, having spread to Ashley’s liver.

Emphasising the emotional impact of this diagnosis, Ashley described it as a ‘hammer blow’ to their newly formed marriage. Following his diagnosis, he started immunotherapy treatment in September 2024, which has shown significant results; he reported that the tumour had shrunk by 90% by January 2025. He expressed both relief and frustration, stating, “I never thought they were going to say that it had shrunk by 90%, it was incredible… But if they’d found it in May then they might have been able to give me treatment before it had spread to my liver.”

Ashley remains on immunotherapy and is hopeful about continuing his recovery, regularly attending check-ups to monitor his progress. In light of his ordeal, he has encouraged individuals experiencing unusual symptoms to insist on further examination from their doctors.

A spokesperson for the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board noted, “People are often the best judge of what’s ‘normal’ for their bodies” and highlighted the importance of seeking medical advice when symptoms arise. They also mentioned support structures for patients dissatisfied with their care.

Similarly, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust expressed their sympathy towards Ashley and encouraged him to reach out directly with any concerns regarding his treatment. As of now, Ashley Robinson continues his journey through treatment and advocates for greater awareness regarding health concerns, especially among those who may feel overlooked by medical professionals.

Source: Noah Wire Services