Rhod Gilbert, a 54-year-old comedian from Carmarthen, recently revealed that he was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer. In July, he began treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, where he had been a fundraising patron for 10 years. He admitted that he was in Cuba on a fundraising trek when he noticed a lump in his neck and experienced a sore throat, difficulty speaking, and spasms in his face. After a biopsy, he underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
In a pre-recorded video message for Channel 4’s The National Comedy Awards for Stand Up To Cancer, Gilbert said that the cancer centre had been a “big part” of his life and joked that he thought he would have “lifelong immunity” from the disease. He also expressed his optimism about his recovery, noting that his facial hair was regrowing, his voice was back to normal, and he was regaining weight. His big goal is to lead a fundraising trek to Mount Toubkal in Morocco in October.
However, Gilbert has postponed a string of live shows in December due to gallstones and recurring gallbladder infections. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic and is determined to reach his goal of leading the fundraising trek. He is confident that he will soon be back to his former self and is grateful for the “faultless” treatment he has received at the Velindre Cancer Centre.