A FAMILY has had their life turned upside down following an unexpected diagnosis.

Father-of-five Ben Nixon, of Barry, was diagnosed with an uncommon form of blood cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, on December 2, (2020) coinciding with the birthday of his fiancée Naomi Alicia.

The 37-year-old has two children from a previous relationship – Kai, aged 11, and Charlie, aged nine – along with three children with his fiancée: eight-year-old Eviiee, four-year-old Ronnie, and two-year-old Reggie.

Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age and affects slightly more men than women.

The disease affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system, but on Reggie’s second birthday (January 7) Mr Nixon had a PET scan and discovered that the stage four cancer had spread to his bones and liver.

His treatment, along with intense chemotherapy, started on Ronnie’s fourth birthday, and the family is trying their best to stay positive in the circumstances.

31-year-old fiancée, Ms Alicia, said: “You read about this happening in the news, but you don’t think it will ever happen to you.

“We are struggling and I’m not doing well mentally, but we have to get on with it for the kids.

“Ben is shielding, which means I’ve taken on jobs we would normally split between us – such as shopping, looking after the kids, school runs – it’s been really tricky.”

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Ben was due to start a new job as a window fitter, which has now not been possible and has negatively affected the family's finances.

Delays in benefit payments means that they're dealing with financial hardships along with the emotional impact of their situation.

Naomi’s best friend, Kerys Smith, has set-up a fundraising page to raise money for the family. If you’re able to donate visit www.bit.ly/3tLldRu

“We’ve told the kids there’s something wrong with Ben’s blood,” added Ms Alicia when asked if the children know what is happening.

“The school [Ysgol Gwaun y Nan] has been really good, taking on the kids three days a week and giving us food hampers, but it has been a struggle.”