Dying father-of-four, 37, who claimed he was ‘fobbed off’ by NHS doctors, given weeks to live after medics failed to detect he had cancer for 18 months

A dying father-of-four who claimed he was ‘fobbed off’ by NHS doctors has been given weeks to live after medics failed to detect he had cancer for 18 months.

Joe Snape, 37, from Leek, Staffordshire, was diagnosed with incurable oesophageal cancer in March, despite first visiting his GP surgery last year with abdominal pain.

The former paver also attended the emergency department at Royal Stoke University Hospital and called the West Midlands Ambulance Service ahead of his diagnosis.

Mr Snape – who lives with his partner and children – was told eight weeks ago that he had three weeks to live.

He said: ‘I went to the doctor 18 months ago with really bad pain in my stomach and kept being put off. The doctor told me the stomach pain was indigestion.

‘Another time I had chest pain that caused pressure in my chest and I thought I was having a heart attack.

‘The doctor told me to drive myself to hospital even though I thought I was having a heart attack – it’s ridiculous. I’ve been there (to the doctors) many times.

‘One evening I collapsed and called an ambulance. I was told the wait would be five hours and my brother said, “Don’t worry, he’ll be dead.”

‘He rushed me to Royal Stoke A&E and I couldn’t even get in because they were so busy, so I went to Macclesfield A&E and was put on a drip and seen within an hour.

‘I was cut open and Royal Stoke diagnosed me with oesophageal cancer and told me I had about three weeks to live, but that was eight weeks ago, so I beat their assumptions and estimates.

‘It’s incurable so I just have to try to keep it at bay, but I feel like if the doctors had picked it up 18 months ago it might not have been incurable.

‘My cancer has grown from the esophagus down into my stomach and out the side of my stomach in an L shape.

‘It’s all in my lymph nodes, so they can’t operate. One doctor said I needed a stent, and a second doctor said I couldn’t have a stent because it would just fall out.

‘I’m having chemotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester and they’re really good.

‘In just half an hour I got more information and advice from the doctor there than I did in two months from the Royal Stoke.

‘I have to have chemo once every three weeks for nine weeks.

‘The Christie is the best. I couldn’t believe how many people were there. It was quite daunting but the staff were brilliant.

‘I am in department four, where 130 patients are treated every day. Moreover, parking is free at The Christie. I would spend £40 or £50 on parking at the Royal Stoke.

‘Although I’m having chemo in Manchester, the Royal Stoke called the following Tuesday (21 May) and told me to come in for chemo – they don’t communicate with each other as I had already started on 17 May. ‘

Of his experience with cancer, Joe said, “Some days I can eat, some days I can’t.

‘After having my first chemo treatment on Friday, I was fine on Saturday, but not on Sunday.

‘I felt seasick, which reminds me of being on a boat as a child, going sea fishing with my father. I also have diabetes.

‘I was told that it is very strange to see this form of cancer in a man my age. I went from working seven days a week to not working at all.

‘I was a tarmacer and really enjoyed it. I’m going to pay for my own coffin, and my own funeral too.

‘My friends and family are doing a lot of work for me, including renovating a camper, and my sister is shaving her head.

‘My friends have been very secretive about the camper van, but it means I can go on holiday to Wales and other places with my family.

‘We’re having an auction because my friend is mates with John Fury, so there’s signed gloves and stuff up for auction, and Stoke FC are donating a signed shirt and ball. JCB also donated meat for barbecues.”

Julie Ward set up a GoFundMe for Joe with a target of £20,000, which has now been exceeded.

She wrote: ‘Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this. Joe received his camper on Saturday (May 25), which was very kindly presented by Tyson Fury’s father John. What an absolute gentleman he was.

‘Without you kind people this wouldn’t have been possible – thank you. Joe and his family have not been home since receiving the RV. They are currently in Conway in all this rain, but still making memories.

‘We are having an auction next Saturday to raise a little money for Joe and his family. There will be food and music and some good things to be auctioned off. You are all welcome. I think Joe would like to thank you personally for what you have all accomplished.”

UHNM deputy chief nurse Jane Holmes said: ‘Our clinical nurse specialists have been in contact with Mr Snape and other healthcare professionals in recent weeks to understand his treatment decisions and he has declined chemotherapy at UHNM.

‘We take all patient concerns seriously and I would encourage Mr Snape to speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Team if we can investigate his concerns further.’

A spokesperson for Staffordshire and Stoke Integrated Care Board said: ‘Our thoughts are with the patient. We are committed to ensuring that all patient concerns are addressed appropriately. Due to patient confidentiality, we cannot discuss individual cases.

‘If anyone needs help or has similar concerns, they can make a complaint through the practice or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for support.

‘PALS is committed to providing support, problem solving and guidance to ensure the best possible care and service.

‘You can contact them by phone on 0808 196 8861 or by email at PatientServices@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk.’