In an inspiring tale of resilience and humor, 39-year-old carpenter Andy Spary from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has shared his remarkable journey following a devastating cancer diagnosis. Despite facing stage three bowel cancer, Andy finds solace in the potential for a new lease on life, which includes not only recovery but also a rather unexpected aspiration: a Kim Kardashian-like derrière.

The ordeal began when Andy initially dismissed severe pain in his rear as a minor issue related to his frequent rollerblading activities. However, his world was turned upside down when he received the chilling diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer on June 14, 2024. This revelation followed a series of medical examinations, including an MRI and a biopsy, which unveiled a tumor that had branched out from his colon and was spreading. Andy's existing struggle with Crohn's disease—a condition known for causing chronic inflammation in the digestive tract—was linked to his cancer diagnosis.

Reflecting on the moment he received the news, Andy stated, "The diagnosis was a shock and it took a few weeks to really sink in. I had a feeling something wasn't right, but you never expect to hear news like that." Even with the looming threat of surgery, he and his wife, Amy, aged 35, decided to approach the situation with humor. Andy jokingly mentioned, "My wife has been joking that we should get a catalogue to choose from. I joked that it should be a voluptuous number, which might be good for bouncing off when I fall on my skates—Kim Kardashian's name got thrown around a lot."

Andy’s health saga accelerated in March 2024 when he experienced excruciating pain, prompting a visit to the A&E at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Initially believing it to be a skating-related injury, he was unprepared for the shocking diagnosis that would follow. After undergoing a stoma surgery on July 8 to sideline the cancerous portion of his colon, he began an intensive regimen of chemotherapy and radiotherapy two months later. However, the cancer proved resilient, necessitating a second surgical procedure on May 21 to remove the remaining part of his colon along with the tumor.

During this complicated surgery, a plastic surgeon employed advanced techniques to reconstruct Andy's posterior using tissue from surrounding areas, thereby giving him not only a chance at recovery but also the humorous goal of achieving a better physique than before. "One surgeon removes the tumor and then the plastic surgeon patches everything up. New bum, new me, all good," Andy remarked with a light-hearted attitude.

The operation also holds promise for alleviating Andy's Crohn’s disease symptoms, as it involved excising significant affected tissue. A seasoned rollerblader who has spent considerable time in hospitals due to his health issues, Andy credits his physical and mental resilience to his dedication to running. He plans to participate in the 2026 London Marathon, viewing it as a vital step in his rehabilitation journey and a way to raise funds for Trekstok, a charity dedicated to supporting young adults battling cancer.

As part of his fundraising efforts, Andy launched a GoFundMe campaign that has already exceeded €4,000 within a remarkably short span. "I've been blown away by the GoFundMe support, making £2,500 in under a week, and it's still going. If I could make £10,000, that would be unbelievable," he shared, expressing his gratitude for the community's generosity.

Currently recovering in the hospital following his surgery, Andy is eager to be discharged by the end of May. He faces a challenging path ahead, requiring physiotherapy to regain his mobility. Despite the difficulties, he remains determined to resume his marathon training by the end of the year. "Keeping fit and healthy has been my best weapon," he declared, adding, "Having the goal of running my first marathon next year—stoma bag and all—is my motivation to stay positive and keep going. After this process, I'll be back on my feet, stronger and fitter with no more Crohn's and no more cancer, sorted."

As Andy continues his recovery, he underscores the importance of support networks, especially for young individuals who may not have family backing during such challenging times. His story serves as a testament to the human spirit's resilience amid adversity and highlights the crucial role of community in the healing process.