A once healthy and energetic man from Bridgend has shared how a chance encounter with a tick dramatically altered the course of his life, leading to long-term illness, enormous financial strain, and a relentless search for answers and relief.
Steven Williams, 39, enjoyed an active routine, balancing his responsibilities as a civil servant with his passion for music as the member of a rock band and frequent walks in the local countryside with his dog. However, in March 2021, his world changed abruptly. Out of nowhere, Steven developed severe fatigue, intense heart palpitations, and a devastating wave of anxiety and depression—symptoms he had never previously experienced.
These issues quickly snowballed, forcing Steven to withdraw from virtually all facets of his former life. Everyday activities became overwhelming, from simply taking out the bins to attempting to watch television. Even routine self-care was sometimes insurmountable, with anxiety and depression gripping him relentlessly.
Initially, Steven found himself on a carousel of medical appointments and prescriptions, but the underlying cause of his failing health remained elusive for seven months. Eventually, a diagnosis of Lyme disease was delivered—a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, which is known for its potential severity if not identified early. While a two-week course of antibiotics is the standard NHS response, Steven’s advanced illness meant the conventional approach proved insufficient.
Over the subsequent months, Steven dedicated his own savings and resources in a quest for improvement, ultimately spending around £150,000 on private healthcare worldwide. This has included a diverse range of interventions, from pharmaceutical regimens to holistic therapies. In desperation, he remortgaged his house to cover the spiralling costs.
Steven’s story highlights a significant gap in the support available for those with complex, late-stage Lyme disease in the UK. “I have only ever reached about four out of ten in terms of my health,” Steven explained. “The NHS did their best within the guidelines, but once those are exhausted, there isn’t much left for those who fall outside the system.”
Tick-borne Lyme disease is increasingly recognised in the UK, with woodlands and grassy areas, particularly in southern England and Scotland’s Highlands, considered high-risk. Nonetheless, awareness of symptoms and prompt removal of ticks remains inconsistent. Curiously, Steven never noticed the classic bullseye rash often associated with the illness—a pattern which research shows is only seen in a minority of cases.
After finally receiving a diagnosis in October 2021, Steven ventured further afield in his quest for healing. He travelled to Germany for intravenous antibiotics and hyperthermia therapy, a process which raises the body’s core temperature to boost immune response. Whilst this eliminated some of the infection, he faced another setback upon returning home—contracting Covid-19, which left him with ongoing symptoms commonly known as long Covid.
Undeterred, Steven underwent further therapies, including stem cell treatment in Mexico and sessions in New York with Lyme specialist Dr Richard Horowitz, as well as substantial alternative treatments such as extended fasting and herbal regimens. In February 2025, he flew to India to receive intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, aimed at resetting his immune system. Despite some small gains, he continues to endure persistent fatigue and must restrict his diet and activities to maintain even a semblance of normality.
Financially, the search for health has had a profound impact, causing Steven to remortgage his home and rely on the support of friends to continue treatments. Recognising the ongoing costs, his friend Alecs Donovan established a crowdfunding page to help finance further medical interventions, including another proposed trip to Germany.
Reflecting on the generosity of others, Steven expressed his heartfelt gratitude. “Health really is wealth,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who’s supported me. My greatest hope is just to reclaim some of my old life—meeting friends, listening to music, exercising. The small things mean so much now.”
A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board invited Steven to contact their concerns team to discuss his case further but declined to comment on individual care. Meanwhile, the NHS urges the public to be vigilant during outdoor activities, stressing that although not every tick carries the Lyme bacteria, prompt removal remains crucial.
For more details or to support Steven’s ongoing treatment, further information can be found on his GoFundMe page. The NHS website also offers up-to-date guidance on recognising and managing the risks of Lyme disease.