A father-of-two said being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer "hit like a tonne of bricks" as he warned young parents to always have health issues checked.

Adam Davies was diagnosed with a form of mouth cancer after repeatedly being told that a lump was "nothing to be worried about".

Now the 40-year-old has warned others to "always have something checked if it doesn't feel right".

Adam, from Rustington, said: “Being told you have cancer hits you like a tonne of bricks.

"I was in disbelief, especially because I’d been repeatedly told by specialists that it was not cancer or anything to worry about.

Read More: Hospital hailed as best in the country for looking after cancer patients

"I also don’t have any history of cancer in my family and I don’t or have never smoked. The consultants actually sent the sample off again for a second opinion as they couldn’t believe it."

Adam, who lives with his wife Michelle and two young children, Zachary and Charlotte, said that he found the lump in his mouth years ago but was told in March 2024 that it was nothing to worry about.

(Image: Blithe House Financial Management)

Adam was booked to have the lump removed in May this year - but had the procedure delayed to make way for a cancer patient.

But in July, after having the lump removed, he was called for an emergency meeting where he was told that he had a rare form of mouth cancer.

After having the lump removed and receiving private healthcare to treat the disease, Adam warned other young parents to make sure that they had life insurance to make sure they are covered if the worst were to happen.

He said: "My biggest take away from this experience is to always have something checked if it doesn't feel right.

 “It sounds morbid but the day after I was told that the lump was cancer, I made a list of our outstanding mortgage and life cover with policy numbers and contact details. It was a relief to see that the mortgage figure was lower than our life cover which was one less thing to worry about."