A Hertfordshire man’s unusual reaction to alcohol led to a shocking diagnosis after he began to feel drunk following just a single glass of wine. Simon Bowler, a 50-year-old tennis coach from Thorley Wood, found his tolerance suddenly disappeared in October 2023—a deeply uncharacteristic change that left him bewildered and anxious.
Prior to these symptoms, Mr Bowler considered himself able to enjoy wine in moderation without incident. Reflecting on the inexplicable shift, he recalled experiencing a persistent sense of ‘fuzziness’ in his head, coupled with blurred vision and mounting difficulty in relaxing after a working day. These concerning developments were accompanied not long after by the appearance of a lump on his neck.
Initially, medical professionals reassured him that the lump was likely a cyst, presumed harmless. However, after returning to his GP multiple times as his symptoms failed to subside, Simon was referred to a specialist at OSD Healthcare in Hemel Hempstead. An ultrasound at the facility soon revealed something more worrying, prompting doctors to perform a biopsy.
Driving to work one day shortly after, Simon received a call from his physician. The doctor’s serious tone and request for Simon to pull over painted a grim picture. Doctors explained that early test results pointed to cancer, with further investigations needed for a definitive diagnosis. The biopsy later confirmed he was facing skin cancer.
In February 2024, surgeons at Lister Hospital in Stevenage removed Simon’s neck lumps during what was described as a successful operation, albeit one that left him with over 100 stitches. The procedure itself marked a pivotal stage in Simon’s ongoing battle but would prove not to be the end. After recovering, he embarked on a year-long programme of immunotherapy and agreed to regular CT and MRI scans to monitor any recurrence or spread of the disease.
Despite the initial success of the surgery and early rounds of treatment, routine scans in November 2024 brought fresh heartbreak. Doctors discovered that the cancer had metastasised to Simon’s brain. He described grappling with renewed symptoms, such as blurred vision and restless nights, even before the results came in.
Simon underwent Gamma Knife radiotherapy—an innovative, non-invasive procedure utilising precision beams of radiation to tackle the minuscule brain tumours. In early 2025, his oncology team switched to a more aggressive double immunotherapy treatment involving nivolumab and ipilimumab, drugs known for their strength but also for their severe side effects.
Unfortunately, Simon found himself hospitalised following the first round of this new immunotherapy. He developed serious complications including loss of bowel function, requiring ten days of treatment and high-dose steroids. The powerful medication left him with nerve damage, impairing the use of both his hands and legs—a devastating outcome for the lifelong tennis player and active coach.
Throughout these challenges, Simon has demonstrated considerable resilience, despite periods of emotional and physical hardship. He spoke candidly about the mental toll his illness has taken, describing moments of despair and questioning his identity, but also of his determination to adapt and persist.
Currently, Simon has paused treatment to assess his next options with his oncology team. In a proactive move, he recently set up a fundraising page which has garnered nearly £7,000. His aim is to launch a business selling tennis accessories, with intentions to donate a portion of proceeds to organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS, and mental health charities.
Simon’s journey highlights the unpredictability of cancer and the importance of seeking medical advice when facing unusual symptoms. He encourages others to be honest about their struggles, advocating that “it’s OK to cry” and that asking for help is a mark of strength, not weakness. Above all, he hopes his experience will inspire resilience and a renewed focus on community and support for those facing similar battles.