**Nottingham Man’s Lifelong Struggle with Rare Condition Spurs Fundraising Drive for Surgery**
Thabo Methie, a 31-year-old NHS healthcare assistant, has lived with a rare medical condition known as gynaecomastia since childhood – a journey marked by bullying, loss of self-confidence, and decades of mental distress. Now, after more than two decades spent hiding his chest and battling the social stigma attached to his appearance, Thabo is appealing to the public to help fund the surgery he believes will change his life.
The signs first emerged when Thabo was just ten years old. Instead of developing the typical male physique, he found his chest beginning to take on a shape more commonly associated with breasts. As a keen sports participant, this difference quickly became visible to schoolmates, who wasted little time in teasing him. Remarks about his chest being “bigger than some girls’” became a regular feature of his school life, and soon, Thabo began to recoil from sports and any activity that might require him to remove his top.
Despite seeking medical help, doctors confirmed he had gynaecomastia, a condition resulting from an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in males. Unfortunately, with the surgery to resolve the condition being deemed “cosmetic,” Thabo discovered it was not available through the NHS. As a result, he’s now aiming to raise £6,500 to pay for surgery privately, turning to crowdfunding in hopes of regaining his confidence.
“For years, I wore oversized clothes to hide my body,” Thabo shared. “It doesn’t cause me physical pain, but the mental toll is enormous. The jokes and comments from others, especially at school, have stuck with me.” The pain of relentless taunting included incidents where peers and even his childhood crush ridiculed him, significantly impacting his self-esteem and social life.
His experience at boarding school in Zimbabwe intensified his isolation. Living with 23 other students and sharing communal facilities meant privacy was in short supply, leaving Thabo going to great lengths to hide his chest from others. He recalls spending years timing showers to avoid being seen and withdrawing even further from social interactions.
As an adult, Thabo settled in Nottingham after moving to the UK in 2023. Despite his attempts to control the condition through diet, running, and strength training, the breast tissue persisted. He even tried weight loss injections but found the expense prohibitive. Over time, his weight increased by 21 kilograms and he now resorts to wearing XXXL t-shirts in an attempt to conceal his chest.
Beyond the physical symptoms, it’s the psychological impact that weighs most heavily. “All I’ve ever wanted is to feel comfortable in my own skin, to swim at the beach or pool without fear of judgement, and to regain the confidence that was taken from me all those years ago,” Thabo said. Social events, especially those involving swimming or dating, are fraught with anxiety. “I avoided relationships for a long time, simply because I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone seeing me without my shirt.”
Due to his immigration status and recent arrival in the UK, Thabo is ineligible for NHS surgery, as he lacks the long-standing medical records required. “This surgery represents much more than a medical procedure – it’s a step toward reclaiming my life. It would lift an enormous weight that has overshadowed my happiness for as long as I can remember,” he added.
Thabo’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked psychological challenges associated with conditions like gynaecomastia, prompting questions about access to healthcare and the provision of support for those whose lives are severely impacted by so-called “cosmetic” issues.
As he campaigns to meet his £6,500 fundraising goal, Thabo remains hopeful for the future. “When I reach my target, I’ll book the surgery immediately. I can’t wait to finally put this chapter behind me and move forward with my life.” His courage in sharing such a personal challenge is already sparking conversations online, as supporters rally behind his cause.
Readers interested in supporting Thabo can find his fundraising campaign online, where he continues to document his journey and express gratitude for the outpouring of encouragement he’s received so far. For many, his openness is quickly becoming a source of inspiration, emphasising the power of community and empathy in overcoming long-standing adversity.