Rhod Gilbert reveals double tragedy just months after getting the all-clear from Stage 4 head and neck cancer

Rhod Gilbert has revealed that two people close to him have died from cancer just months after he was given the all-clear.

The 56-year-old Welsh comedian was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer in 2022 and battled the disease before everything became clear in October last year.

But talk to The mirrorRhod revealed that just months after his good news, he suffered a heartbreaking blow.

Rhod said that during the break from a stand-up performance he discovered that his friend had died of terminal cancer.

He also said that last week he attended the funeral of the father of another friend of his, who also died of cancer.

The Welsh comedian, 56, was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer in 2022 and battled the disease before everything became clear in October last year

“This week I went to a funeral for my friend’s father, who died of cancer,” he said. “During the break while I was on stage in Halifax, I [also] found out that a friend of mine had died of cancer.

“I knew he had gone into end-of-life care, so it wasn’t a big surprise, but it just happened in that moment where I happened to come off stage during intermission, look at my phone and read a text message. say, ‘He’s gone.’

Rhod received his first clear scan in October last year after undergoing treatment for stage four cancer.

He was diagnosed in July 2022 and was treated at the Velindre Cancer Center in Cardiff, where he had been a fundraising patron for ten years before the diagnosis.

He underwent surgery for metastatic head and neck cancer, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions.

Speaking about his condition in April, he said: ‘It’s still all clear. Still under the care of the beautiful Velindre Cancer Center in Cardiff. I get checked every few weeks, but still all clear.

‘I feel great. I have a lot of problems that I may or may not have for the rest of my life, who knows. Who cares!

‘I’m here, I’m good and every night I’m on stage pinching myself for doing this. That I am now on stage, two years after the diagnosis.’

The prankster will perform across Britain in 2024 and 2025 on his Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit tour and he says his illness has affected some of the content of his show (pictured in 2018)

The prankster will perform across Britain in 2024 and 2025 on his Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit tour and says his illness has affected some of the content of his show.

Rhod explained: ‘Grapefruit, partly a nod to the tumor in my neck, and partly the idea that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

“Well, this is what you have to do when life starts throwing grapefruits at you, which in my opinion is even worse, but it’s a happy show, it’s an uplifting show.”

Rhod revealed he was battling cancer in a statement on social media in 2022, just days after pausing his tour at the time.

He wrote: ‘As a proud patron of the Velindre Cancer Center, I have traveled the world, organizing chaotic quizzes and star-studded comedy evenings.

‘I have met and befriended so many inspiring staff, patients and their families. It’s been a big part of my life for the past ten years.

‘So although I never thought I would be a patient here, I know better than anyone that I am in the best possible hands.

‘The NHS care I receive is incredible. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone… but who knows, maybe I’ll come out the other side with another stand-up show and a 40-minute rant about orange squash.

‘Thank you everyone for your support over the past few weeks and months (and years).

“I will be disappearing for a while and will make no further comment, at least for now, while I focus on my recovery.”