Dad of 4, Who Went for a Routine Eye Test, Diagnosed with a Rare and Incurable Eye Cancer That Has Since Spread to His Liver

**Father of Four Fights Rare Eye Cancer After Shocking Diagnosis**

A Staffordshire family faces an uncertain future as they come to terms with the devastating diagnosis of Jez Bridges, a father of four, who has been diagnosed with uveal melanoma—a rare form of eye cancer. The shocking revelation came during a routine eye examination in July 2025, when an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan revealed a small mole on Bridges’ eye.

At 59 years old, Bridges was initially unaware of the severity of his condition, as he had not exhibited any symptoms prior to the diagnosis. The OCT scan, which creates a detailed 3D image of the eye, revealed the presence of the cancer, typically known for its aggressive nature. Unfortunately, just six months later, his prognosis worsened when doctors informed him that the cancer had metastasised to his liver.

Bridges has been given less than two years to live, a revelation that has profoundly impacted his family. “Still to this day, I have no symptoms whatsoever,” Bridges shared. “It wouldn’t have been until I started having issues, and it’s too late then. You’re talking about three months, four months.” Such statements reflect the cruel reality of his diagnosis and underlie his urgent desire to spend more time with his loved ones.

In a bid to extend his time with his family, Bridges has embarked on a fundraising campaign, seeking to raise over $270,000 for private treatment that is not offered by the National Health Service (NHS). The treatment he is pursuing, known as chemosaturation, is a highly intensive therapy that, although not curative, could potentially prolong his life. Bridges expressed that having a bit more time with his children would mean “everything” to him, recognising the significant moments he may miss, including his children’s future milestones such as their weddings and the birth of grandchildren.

His sister, Justine Owens, highlighted the profound impact of Jez’s diagnosis, saying, “Jez’s diagnosis has changed the lives of his entire family. Overnight, our future went from being full of plans, celebrations, and family milestones to living with uncertainty and fear.” Owens described her brother as the cornerstone of their family, the one to whom they all turn for strength and support. The family is now grappling with the harsh reality of a future without him, a situation that they find heartbreaking.

A GoFundMe campaign was established by Owens, who resides in Kempsey, Worcestershire, to assist with the financial burden of the sought-after treatment. “He just wants to be with us, to spend time with us,” she stated. “He doesn’t want to climb a massive mountain or travel to Timbuktu. This is just about spending time with his family, making memories and sharing precious time.”

The realities of uveal melanoma can be alarming, with the potential for swift progression and limited treatment options. Jo Gumbs, chief executive of the charity Ocular Melanoma UK, pointed out that new research indicates that treatment could yield beneficial outcomes for nine out of ten patients, emphasising the importance of immediate intervention and the impact of treatment on overall prognosis.

As the Bridges family navigates this difficult journey, they are committed to cherishing their time together and making lasting memories. The support from the community through fundraising efforts not only serves to aid in securing treatment for Jez but also offers a glimmer of hope amidst the shadow cast by his diagnosis.

With each passing day, the family seeks to embrace whatever moments they have left, echoing a sentiment shared by many facing similar battles—’Every moment counts.’