A dad was given three months to live after experiencing difficulty swallowing.
Rab Connell, from Blairhall in Fife, feared something was wrong when his symptoms first appeared in September 2024.
He made several visits to his GP and was referred to hospital for specialist scans.
Six months later in March 2025 he was diagnosed with stage 4 hypopharyngeal throat cancer.
Medics broke the devastating news that major surgery was the only way to save his life due to the size of the tumour but he would lose his voice.
View 4 ImagesWithout surgery, he was given three to six months to live.
The brave dad underwent a rare and complicated operation that saw surgeons remove major structures in his throat, including his voice box and thyroid. They then reconstructed his food and drink passage using tissue taken from his leg.
They also created a permanent stoma in his neck, meaning he now breathes through an opening in his throat.
As a result of the surgery, Rab has had to adapt to a different way of living.
Simple daily activities such as speaking, eating and drinking became challenges that required him to learn new techniques and routines.
View 4 ImagesHe has bravely shared his story to raise awareness about symptoms of the disease and hopes he can help save lives.
Gordon Dow, chief executive of the Throat Cancer Foundation, praised Rab’s decision to tell his story.
Mr Dow said: “Difficulty swallowing should never be ignored, especially if it is persistent or getting worse. Rab’s story is a reminder that people know their own bodies. If something does not feel right, get it checked — and keep asking for answers.
“Rab lost his natural voice, but by sharing his story he is still speaking very powerfully for others.”
Rab, a former Waste Operative, has been supported by his wife of 30 years Karen, and their two daughters Danielle, 32, and Natasha, 28.
Rab said: “Family is very important to me. I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, my daughters and my two grandchildren who are five and six.
“I am a proud grandad. One of my favourite activities was swimming and I loved taking my grandkids although I am currently unable to do that.
View 4 Images“I am also a big sports fan and love football and going to rugby matches.”
Rab will feature on BBC Two documentary series Surgeons: At the Edge of Life. His complex operation will feature on the show, giving viewers an insight into the realities of throat cancer treatment and recovery.
Mr Dow continued: “Rab’s story is incredibly powerful because it shows the reality of throat cancer in a way that statistics never can.
“He has been through life-saving surgery that most people could barely imagine, yet he has chosen to share that experience to help others. That takes real courage.”
The Throat Cancer Foundation said persistent difficulty swallowing should never be ignored, particularly when symptoms worsen over time.
Other possible signs of throat cancer include a persistent sore throat, changes to the voice, a lump in the neck, ear pain, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood and pain when swallowing.
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While these symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer, experts say they should be checked if they persist.
Rab’s story airs on BBC Two on Wednesday, June 3 at 9:00pm, and on BBC Scotland on Monday, June 8 at 9:00pm.
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