Dad dies from cancer after being told leg pain was sciatica

By James Connolly

A dad-of-four who was told his agonizing leg pain was sciatica has died after his symptoms turned out to be signs of an aggressive cancer.

Joe Till, 33, repeatedly visited walk-in centres complaining of pain in his leg - only to later discover he had stage four diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

The keen gym-goer and hiking fan, from Lancaster, Lancs., was eventually told there was nothing more the NHS could do and that he may only have months left to live.

Joe died on May 17 following his battle with cancer. A fundraiser set up to support his wife and four children has now raised more than $13,500.

His funeral is due to take place on May 29.

Joe first discovered something was seriously wrong after suffering pains in his leg in 2024.

He said: "I was getting pains in my leg and was up and down to walk-in centers.

"They told me it was sciatica but one day I found I couldn't walk upstairs."

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Joe was diagnosed with cancer in July 2024 before enduring months of gruelling treatment.

He later lost mobility from the shoulders down during the ordeal.

Despite periods where his condition appeared to improve during treatment, the cancer returned.

On February 9, Joe was told there was nothing more the NHS could do.

A fundraiser was launched to help pay for private therapies while trying to secure his family home for his wife and children.

Announcing his death on the fundraiser page, Joe's family said: "It is with broken hearts that we share that our brave Joe sadly passed away on 17.05.2026.

"He fought with incredible strength and courage right until the very end.

"Joe's wish was for his life to be celebrated.

“He always said he didn't want people wearing black or for the day to be full of sadness he wanted a big celebration, just like the amazing person he was."

They added: "Thank you again for all of the love and support shown to Joe, his wife, children and all of our family during this incredibly difficult time.

"We know how loved he truly was."