Dad, 46, dies from stage four cancer after noticing worrying change to skin (2025)

Kev Coles, 46, died just days after he spoke out about the symptoms he suffered before he was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer - and his wife has now revealed that his legacy is helping to save lives

A dad tragically passed away just days after courageously spreading the word about the symptoms that led to his stage four bowel cancer diagnosis.

Kev Coles, 46, was determined to raise awareness of the sudden warning signs he experienced, and he managed to do so before sadly losing his life last month. His wife, Kayleigh, has now shared that Kev's efforts have potentially saved lives by bringing attention to these critical red flags.

In our exclusive interview, Kayleigh expressed: "It is too late for my darling Kev - but if it can help raise awareness and help others then I know that's what Kev wanted and it might help heal my heart a little, knowing him being taken away wasn't for nothing.

"I've already had people messaging saying I read your article and it made me go to the doctors again because I was worried after being sent away once and now I'm demanding they access me again - and that's amazing.

"Even a mum of my daughter's friend said a few days ago that Kev saved her life. She had similar symptoms. She got sent away. She read Kev's story, demanded to get tested property and she's got a CT scan booked in. If it gives just one person the courage to get a second opinion if they are concerned about their symptoms, then I can sleep easier at night."

Symptoms

To honour Kev's memory and continue his vital mission, we list below the symptoms he experienced, in hopes of furthering awareness and preserving his legacy of saving lives.

Kayleigh previously shared with this site the harrowing moment she realised her partner's health was in serious jeopardy, marked by a sudden and alarming change in his skin colour.

Recalling the incident from September 3, 2024, she said: "There was a moment where me and Kev were outside and he went yellow in front of my eyes. He started vomiting profusely and he was sweating uncontrollably so much so it looked like he was under a shower and he was in crippling pain.

"I immediately rang 999 for an ambulance. However, we waited for ages for it to arrive. The pain settled down and Kev just wanted a sleep so he told me to cancel the ambulance."

The NHS warns that jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, can be indicative of bowel cancer, particularly if the cancer has metastasised to the liver. It was later confirmed that Kev's liver was indeed compromised.

Kev, father to seven children with Kayleigh, detailed how abdominal pain emerged as a primary symptom around June last year.

He described the pain as being high up in his stomach, so severe at times that he couldn't stand upright. The pain was persistent, occasionally reaching levels that were "unbearable and I'd be doubled over in pain".

Persistent abdominal pain is listed by the NHS as a key symptom of bowel cancer, who advise anyone experiencing such symptoms for more than three weeks to consult their GP.

Dismissed

Kev, from Stoke-on-Trent, was dismissed despite presenting clear symptoms. He stated: "Being only 45 at the time, GPs and doctors at A&E disregarded how bad it could be and didn't even factor in that it could be cancer. We want to raise awareness because age shouldn't be an issue. The symptoms I had were disregarded because I was only 45... it isn't right."

A study by The Lancet Oncology revealed that the UK has the fastest increase in under-50s developing bowel cancer in Europe. Dr Yin Cao commented: "Early-onset colorectal cancer is a growing global phenomenon. But at the same time, it is still rare."

Kev was informed his symptoms could range from constipation, gall stones to IBS and no scans were conducted, despite him once requiring oral morphine to manage the pain.

He initially visited a GP on July 30 and reported six weeks of stomach pain but was sent home with laxatives. Subsequent visits on August 22 and September 7 also resulted in no action.

Eventually, a scan was performed, but Kev claimed this only happened after Kayleigh had to follow up.

Now, speaking after her husband's death, Kayleigh expressed: "Until the system changes and people are taken seriously when they present with symptoms like my Kev... there needs to be people to stand up and say, 'This isn't good enough.' Go and get checked again!"

Tragically, Kev was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer following a scan, which spread to his liver. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he passed away last month, just days after raising vital awareness about the disease.

Awareness

In an effort to make his remaining time as comfortable as possible, a GoFundMe page was set up prior to his passing. Kayleigh, his wife, has confirmed that the fundraising page is still active to help cover the costs of his funeral, which took place last week.

Kayleigh, who married Kev in December before it was too late, shared her heartbreak with readers: "Life still doesn't feel real without him by my side. But I'm determined to make him proud. Anytime someone gets in touch asking do I think they should seek advice - my answer will always be the same... absolutely.

"Carry on getting those appointments, carry on asking for scans. You know your body. You know when something is wrong. If Ked had been listened to, it may have been different. So now all I can do is help others."