The mother of an autistic man diagnosed with testicular cancer has told how she fought to save his life after medics recommended end-of-life care.
Medics told Sharon Bourn, from Gateshead, they had done all they could for her son Robert, 32, after he had an operation to remove a tumour.
Robert Bourn recovered from testicular cancer, despite medics telling his family they should accept end-of-life care
But when the cancer spread he needed follow-up treatment with 72 hours of chemotherapy.
‘Nothing more they could do’
When Bourn told them Robert’s autism meant he would not tolerate the treatment, staff at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said there was nothing more they could do.
But Bourn refused to give up on Robert, who, as well as autism, has Fragile X syndrome and a learning disability.
Bourn fought for a second opinion and contacted law firm Irwin Mitchell.
Something more they could do
The case went to the Court of Protection before Robert had a modified form of chemotherapy.
Robert has now been given the all-clear.
Speaking on BBC Radio, Bourn said: “He’s absolutely fantastic. He’s back to normal. The cancer’s completely gone.”
Bourn, 54, added: “He’s back to his day centre now. He’s living his life and he’s absolutely fine.”
Case reveals ‘difficulties too many families face’
Kirsty Stuart is an associate solicitor with Irwin Mitchell.
She said Robert’s case reveals “the difficulties too many families face in ensuring loved ones who are autistic and those who have learning disabilities access the care they deserve for their loved ones”.
In a statement, the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it worked “very hard to support people with learning disabilities to have a positive experience of care”.
Robert’s story has been featured in the new BBC Panorama documentary, ‘Will the NHS care for me?’
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Published: 15 October 2022
