Corporate supporter, James Hamilton, owner of Halcyon IT, has shared how his experience with a rare cancer has reshaped his priorities, with a renewed focus on supporting life-saving research projects from North West Cancer Research.
James first noticed a lump on his lower back the size of a golf ball and consulted his GP who reassured him it was a benign cyst. Eventually, after an incident playing rugby where the lump ruptured and bled, James sought another opinion. Doctors quickly removed the lump, revealing a larger mass internally. After a wait for biopsy results, James received the news on Christmas Eve 2022 that it was clear cell sarcoma – a rare, malignant tumour that grows in soft tissue.
Two months later, James underwent a lengthy nine-hour operation to have a significant tumour removed. His recovery process included a three-mile charity walk just three days after the operation, raising vital funds for cancer research. James had two further scares in early 2024 and underwent a smaller operation to remove tumours in his chest and stomach, and he now has a check up every three months.
Balancing treatment with everyday responsibilities, James continued his role as a single father to daughter Olivia, who was just seven years old at the time of his diagnosis. Olivia played an active role in his recovery and helped James with practical tasks such as changing his wound dressings.
These days, James tries not to sweat the small stuff and has reassessed his professional and personal priorities, putting family first and making memories with Olivia by travelling the world. He also advocates for the importance of seeking medical advice early and listening to your body and encourages open discussions about health.
James chose to support North West Cancer Research due to its regional focus, strong community connections and emphasis on early detection.
In 2024 alone, James took on three Hyrox competitions, including in Paris, as well as the North West Cancer Research Corporate Football Cup competition.
There’s been no slowing down for James in 2025 as he has already completed another Hyrox competition in Manchester and is set to take on the Dubai Half Marathon this month. So far James has raised over £2,000 to support life-saving cancer research in the North West.
James said: “There’s a famous saying – every man has two lives and the second begins when he realises he only has one. My experience with cancer has been life changing and has allowed me to realign my priorities and wants in life. Olivia has been my rock and a total superstar and now we live life to the full – we’ve visited 29 countries since my diagnosis and are enjoying life as much as we can.
“My advice to anyone who has any health worries would be to get it checked out and get second opinions – advocate for yourself if you know something is not right. I waited before getting mine and this was very close to being a catastrophic mistake. I think men especially find this kind of thing hard to discuss but there are groups and people like myself willing to talk and help.
“I’m pleased I’m able to support North West Cancer Research through my business – it’s an organisation you can tell wants to make a difference. The feeling of helping them to make that difference is my driver in fundraising, and Olivia and I are excited to keep supporting them in the future.”
