The chairman of UKIP’s Caerphilly branch is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Sam Gould, a 33-year-old father-of-three, has vowed to fight the disease and has been tweeting videos documenting his treatment in hospital in a bid to raise awareness of the cancer’s symptoms.
In a moving video posted online he said: “I’m 33-years-old and not the standard, stereotype of someone who would get bowel cancer. The average age is 69.
“I’m a dad. I’m married with three young children, and I’m gonna fight this.
“What I want to do right now is to raise awareness so others, who may have symptoms can look out for these and not go through this to the extent that I am now.
“In February this year, I noticed that I had bleeding when I went to the toilet. I didn’t think much of it, but it is one of the symptoms of bowel cancer.”
Speaking from his hospital bed at Newport’s Royal Gwent, Mr Gould said an operation last week to remove a tumour from his intestine was an early success, but is now preparing for chemotherapy as the cancer had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
He said: “All things considering, I am doing well. I’m really positive that I’m going to beat this.”
He also praised staff at the hospital for their support and described them as “wonderful”.
Mr Gould, who stood for UKIP in last year’s Assembly election and in 2015’s General Election, currently works as an assistant for North Wales Assembly Member Nathan Gill, and has received support from across the political spectrum with various messages of support.
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage has also called to offer his support and is planning on visiting Mr Gould.
While we enjoy a strong political rivalry I'm pleased to call @hef4caerphilly a friend Thanks for visiting me today in hospital #BowelCancer pic.twitter.com/noah6OgEEh
— Sam Gould (@GouldSam) April 17, 2017
Dreadful news but inspiring to see @GouldSam in such high spirits – keep up the fight – I'll be in this week to see you! You'll beat this.
— Andrew RT Davies (@AndrewRTDavies) April 18, 2017
My good friend from the #Brexit campaign in Wales @DavidTCDavies great to see that party boundaries do not matter for #BowelCancer too ?? pic.twitter.com/8Dyc7paCYt
— Sam Gould (@GouldSam) April 18, 2017
Best wishes to you Sam and for sharing your story. https://t.co/AXk5Bkx4bp
— Rhianon Passmore (@rhi4islwyn) April 14, 2017
@GouldSam @bowelcancer @Bowel_Cancer_UK We may have our political differences but as someone that had cancer 28 years ago I want to wish you well for a full recovery.
— Jeff Cuthbert (@JeffCuthbert) April 13, 2017
Good to see political rivalry put aside for the sake of humanity.
Good luck and best wishes for a full recovery.
Sam is fighting a council election from his bed as well as cancer. That shows the indomitable spirit of the man.