Josh Smith, of Wrexham, experienced a 10-day headache that ultimately revealed a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. Initially dismissing his symptoms as fatigue, Smith, who had previously avoided doctor's visits due to a "man up" mentality, was urged by his wife, Kelly, to seek medical attention.
Despite the GP finding "nothing wrong" and a subsequent optician's appointment also yielding no diagnosis, Smith's wife remained convinced that something was amiss. "I knew something wasn't right," she stated. "I remember saying there were red flags, but we were told there was nothing to worry about."
Following surgery, Smith woke with a craving for fried chicken, a food he had not previously enjoyed. While his illness is terminal, Smith has prioritized maintaining his sense of humor, creating memories, and raising awareness to boost funding for brain tumor research. He expressed gratitude for his wife's insistence on seeking medical help, acknowledging that without her intervention, his situation might have been more dire.
"I could not have done any of this without her," Smith said. "If I had kept on ignoring it, I might not be here now." The couple is now focused on these personal priorities and advocacy efforts.