When 41-year-old father-of-two Zack Van Aarde first felt heartburn, doctors said it was only acid reflux. He was given medication and told not to worry. “I always kept myself fit and healthy,” Zack said. “It came as a massive shock.”
But everything changed in July 2025. Zack collapsed on the stairs and began vomiting blood. His wife Jess quickly called an ambulance, and he was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. After an endoscopy, doctors revealed the devastating truth — stage four oesophagus cancer.
Zack began chemotherapy and now undergoes treatment every two weeks. The couple also launched a GoFundMe to cover living costs and therapies not offered by the NHS. “We’re doing everything we can to give myself the best chance,” Zack shared.
He’s now combining standard care with oxygen therapy, vitamin C drips, and red light treatments. “I’m determined to fight for my family,” he said. Zack’s story is a reminder to always trust your instincts — and never ignore what your body is trying to tell you.
