In October 2023 Matthew Collins was told he had an incurable and aggressive brain tumour and that he likely only had 12 to 18 months left to live. With limited treatment options available Matthew put all his time and energy into discovering the one thing that would give him what he wanted most in the world: more time. He discovered a vaccine, DC-VaxL, that was showing promising results – almost doubling survival rates in some and prolonging people's lives by years rather than months.
But it wasn't available on the NHS so he turned to fundraising for the vaccine, which costs £75,000 for just three courses. The 35-year-old from Aberdare has been overwhelmed with support in the year since his diagnosis. He has managed to raise almost £200,000 – a massive sum which is ultimately helping to keep him alive.
He said he is immensely grateful for everyone who has supported him and his fundraiser in the last year. To make a contribution please click here . Matthew's journey started in June last year when he experienced a seizure but he had likely been living with the tumour for much longer than that.
It was first suspected that he had suffered a stroke but a tumour was eventually discovered in August last year before being removed in October. Upon its removal he was told it was a glioblastoma – the most aggressive type of brain cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was told it was almost guaranteed the tumour would return.
However the removal of the tumour allo.