Rob Houliston, a 41-year-old father from West Sussex, initially dismissed persistent back pain as an unavoidable consequence of more than three decades playing rugby. But after months of discomfort, nausea while eating and a dramatic three-and-a-half-stone weight loss, doctors eventually discovered that the symptoms were linked to a large kidney tumor. The diagnosis came after an unrelated accident in June, when Rob was struck between the legs by a dog and developed severe swelling in one testicle. An ultrasound at Princess Royal Hospital ruled out testicular cancer but revealed an abnormal vein that prompted doctors to investigate his kidney. A CT scan then uncovered a large tumor, leading to a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Doctors determined the growth had been pressing against his stomach, explaining his nausea and loss of appetite. In July, Rob underwent a seven-and-a-half-hour operation to remove the affected kidney and tumor, leaving him with a 14-inch scar.

Sadly, Rob was later told that his cancer could not be treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and that his average survival time was around four years. He is due to begin immunotherapy but remains determined to fight the disease and make the most of his time with his family. His outlook is shaped partly by surviving rhabdomyosarcoma as a child after developing a rare tumor in his ear at just six years old. Rather than giving in to fear, Rob says he wants to focus on setting goals, returning to work and eventually getting back onto the rugby pitch. His family has also launched a fundraising campaign to help create a special Disneyland trip together. Rob has urged others facing serious illness not to give up, encouraging them to take things one step at a time. Despite the difficult prognosis, he remains focused on staying positive, spending time with his loved ones and continuing to live life as fully as possible.