For 36-year-old Dominic Hespe, who co-owns the cult trainer consignment store Sneaker63 in Chinatown, this summer could potentially be the last he gets to spend with his wife Ellie and three young children Daniella, 18, Raphael, 8, and Ezekiel, 7.
His is a heartbreaking story and one that, sadly, seems to be more common than most people might realise: a late-stage diagnosis, an inoperable cancer, a young family’s life suddenly stopped in its tracks.
Diagnosed late with a rare form of stage 4 bowel cancer in April 2020, Dominic had previously spent more than six months feeling abdominal pain, vomiting after eating, and suffering from severe fatigue.
As his symptoms worsened he got increasingly worried and starting seeking out advice: visiting with GPs, attending several different A&Es, and sourcing further opinions from a number of specialists.
But due to his young age, the true picture was missed by doctors who, on every occasion throughout those long months, checked his vitals and sent him away – putting his symptoms down to what they said at the time must either be a viral or constipation issue.
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Still, he didn’t stop asking the doctors as he felt quite sure that there was a blockage and so eventually they agreed to have a look, so he went into hospital to be prepped for surgery.
Dom (left) and Jack, founders of Sneaker63 // Photo by Adam Pester
However, when he got there the doctors only did an X-ray, not a CT scan, and decided that he was constipated again so sent him home none the wiser to what was really going on.
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Still in pain and unsatisfied that his doctors were giving him the right advice, Dominic booked another GP visit where he asked again for a CT scan – only to be told that he didn’t need one.
Instead, he was advised that it may take up to five months and 12 laxative drinks per day to clear the blockage.
He gave it a go but after a month of trying the recommended laxatives, he found that the pain was worsening and he became so poorly that, finally, a surgeon was willing to do a CT scan.
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It was only at that point, on April 1, 2020, that Dominic was finally diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer before being rushed into surgery the very next day.
After a long surgery in which surgeons had hoped to remove the cancer, it was sadly decided that this would not be possible as by then it had already spread to the lining of his abdominal organs and through the wall of his bowel.
At this point, Dominic was told that he would be living with inoperable, incurable bowel cancer and immediately sent for chemotherapy to help prolong his life.
A rare Sean Wotherspoon at Sneaker63 // Photo by Adam Pester
In May 2020 he started his first course of chemo, shielding for most of the pandemic as best as he could whilst contacting every surgeon in the country for second opinions.
His wife, Ellie, says that so far, things have not changed significantly enough for surgery to remove the cancer, but that he is still being treated with targeted therapy for his specific mutation.
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A beloved figure within Manchester’s sneaker trading community, throughout his ten-plus year career selling high-end and super rare sneakers he’s been an inspiration to so many young people coming up and starting their own businesses.
He’s also helped a lot of people out of tight spots over the years, using his expert trainer knowledge to help Sneaker63 customers spot some very convincing-looking fakes and avoid getting scammed.
So when his wife’s mother Gail Frampton launched a crowd funder at the start of July to enable Dominic and his young family to make some lasting memories with the time that he has left, tributes absolutely poured in from the wider community – leading them to smash their original £5,000 target within just three days.
One donor said: “Lost for words. Met him on a few occasions and made me feel so welcome in the store and in Manchester. Good guy”
Another added: “Dom gave me a fantastic opportunity at sneaker63, hearing this was hard I wish him and his family all the best”
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A third said: “You’re the reason a lot of us got into this shoe business a fair few years ago when we first met and you’ve helped us all out massively in the past. 💙 sending my best wishes.”
Another commented: “Praying for a miracle healing.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEKjFmXhbBK/
Sadly, Dominic’s story is a common occurrence among younger people diagnosed with the disease – due in large part to the fact that doctors simply don’t expect to see younger people with the illness.
This is in large part because invitations for bowel screening don’t start until you’re between the ages of fifty and sixty, but now there are growing calls to move screening ages forward as evidence mounts suggesting that a significant proportion of younger people are being diagnosed too late.
According to research by Bowel Cancer UK, roughly 2,500 younger people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year and four in ten of those had to visit their GP with complaints three or more times before being referred on for further tests.
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This is most likely why the doctors that saw Dominic did not pick up on his symptoms early enough.
Now, he and his family want to help raise awareness amongst others to stop other young people from going through the heartache they themselves have suffered.
“Our next stage is to highlight how younger people can get bowel cancer and that they are often misdiagnosed as Dominic was,” said Gail Frampton, Dominic’s mother-in-law.
“It may have been a different outcome. Dom’s cancer is very rare and a tricky type. He has had three lots of chemo now, he has been so brave.”
There’s much work to be done, according to Bowel Cancer UK’s ‘Never Too Young’ campaign – first launched in 2013.
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A recent survey by the group that spoke directly with young people living with the disease found that one in five younger patients with bowel cancer does not have access to a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), whilst many said they had experienced varying levels of support at different points in their diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The survey also found that nearly half of those diagnosed with bowel cancer after 2017 hadn’t been offered testing for Lynch syndrome, also something of concern for Dominic’s family.
Jack and Dom (right) at Sneaker63 // @sneaker63official
“One of the other worries is this cancer may be hereditary,” said Gail, grandmother to Dominic’s three children.
“At first we were worried it might be Lynch syndrome, which would cast a shadow over the health of their young children.
“We have been told it isn’t this but the boys will need to be checked in late teens or early adulthood.”
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For now, though, the family is also trying to make the most of all the time they have left together.
They’ve got plans to use the money raised from the Crowdfunder to make special memories here in the UK – Gail says that they feel they may not be able to go abroad due to the cost of travel insurance, so instead they are looking at doing a visit to Centre Parcs and other easily accessible places.
It’s also important for the family that wherever they go, there’s an option for a resting place on days out as some days Dominic finds he is more unwell than others.
Ultimately, all they really want is for his kids to look back with positive, healthy memories of their dad in his final days – and to help educate others so they don’t have to suffer the same fate.
At the time of writing, the Crowdfunder for Dominic is at £6,500. If you want to make a donation to help the family create lasting happy memories together in these difficult times, you can do so here.
News
Independent review into police actions during Manchester synagogue terror attack finds ‘no misconduct’
Emily Sergeant
An independent review into the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has concluded there was ‘no misconduct’ by the police.
The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place last Thursday 2 October on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Statement from Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson following an update from the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This comes after last week's attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. pic.twitter.com/5tQQKeNaTh
The IOPC says its investigation is ‘mandatory’ in situations where police use of force may have resulted in the death of a member of the public.
Their investigation looked at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved in the incident.
“Over the coming days, we will continue to review the substantial amount of evidence gathered up to now, and will begin the process of obtaining more detailed statements from police witnesses,” the IOPC said in a statment.
GMP’s Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, says he ‘welcomes’ the IOPC’s finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of officers in ‘bringing this dreadful attack to an end’.
An independent review into police actions during the Manchester synagogue terror attack has found ‘no misconduct’ / Credit: GMP
He said in a statement addressing the matter: “Our thoughts will always be with the families and loved ones of those directly affected by this tragedy together with the wider community across Greater Manchester and beyond. Our significant presence and determination to protect everyone from all faith communities across our city region will continue unabated.”
With the IOPC’s investigation into the incident still ongoing, CC Watson assured ‘GMP is committed to openness, transparency, and candour’.
“In respect of all our previous dealings with [al Shamie], and we have therefore asked the IOPC to include this aspect in their ongoing review,” CC Watson continued.
“This includes previous reports of harassment, and an arrest for reports of rape over the past year, for which he was on bail at the time of the attack.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Breakaway competition R360 issues statement after rubgy unions warn players of sanctions
Danny Jones
Prospective breakaway competition R360 have issued a response to the joint statement from multiple countries’ rugby unions, which has warned players of sanctions should they choose to join the new league.
While the vast majority seemingly remain opposed to the new concept, backing from certain key figures has resulted in the likes of the UK and Irish rugby unions, along with other key nations, sharing their unified stance against the potential rival.
Put in the simplest terms, the R360 model is rugby’s equivalent of what the proposed European ‘Super League’ was for football just a few years ago, with similar questions being raised around how it could jeopardise existing contests, player wellbeing and more.
Now, though, the new format – which has been largely backed and developed by former World Cup winner with England, Mike Tindall – delivered its own reply on Wednesday, 8 October.
Shared publicly to the press, the alternative tournament wrote: “It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential for any sport to grow. So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick off next year.
“Player welfare is one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally. We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men’s and women’s teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts. Our philosophy is clear – if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?
“We look forward to submitting to the World Rugby Council for sanctioning next summer as planned.”
At present, R360 is due to hold its inagural season this time next year, with eight new male teams and four women’s sides expected to get underway from October 2026 onwards.
In addition to more lucrative contracts like those promised in the IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket, LIV Golf and the aforementioned albeit failed Super League, R360 is also set to offer a reduced playing schedule but one that would still tempt athletes away from their current teams to new franchises.
The national rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy have released the following statement on the proposed R360 competition ⬇️#IrishRugby
Although they have assured player care is an utmost priority, their health and fitness is one of my concerns put forward by the total eight rubgy unions who have urged current pros to stay away from the breakaway competition.
In case you haven’t seen the statement release by England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it begins by “urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.”
Assuring that they welcome “investment and innovation in rugby”, they feel this particular idea won’t improve the sport but could instead “fragment or weaken it.”
Having assessed the proposals supposed value/addition to the “rugby’s global ecosystem”, it seems the fear is that the outcome will be a “net negative to the game”, with little to no detail as to how it can run alongside existing fixtures, assure proper management of player welfare and more.
As for Wales, despite opting not to put their name to the open letter itself, they have stated publicly: “The Welsh Rugby Union supports this statement, and we’re considering changes we may need to make to qualification rules in Wales as part of ongoing analysis following our recent consultation process.”
The statement continues: “The R360 model, as outlined publicly, rather appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out the investment that national unions and existing leagues make in community rugby, player development, and participation pathways.”
It seems there is deep concern for how it could affect grassroots and the international rugby too, not just league and union, and have failed to full explain or help key organisations “better understand their business and operating model.”
Most notably, they sign off by adding: “Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men’s and women’s players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”
What do you make of the whole debate – do you like the current schedule/format as it is, or do you think there’s room for a new chapter in the rugby world?