Loving Father's Shocking Cancer Diagnosis Upends Family Life

In June 2025, 35-year-old Mathew Rutherford began experiencing concerning symptoms, including vomiting and lethargy, around the same time as his one-year-old daughter. Mathew's fiancée, Laura Lineker, initially thought he had caught their daughter's sickness bug. However, as Mathew's condition worsened, with the development of a gum infection and unbearable sickness, Laura decided to take him to the hospital.

On July 27th, 2025, blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy revealed that Mathew was suffering from acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, as well as sepsis. Mathew immediately began chemotherapy treatment at Eastbourne Hospital, where he must remain to avoid infection due to his weakened immune system.

The diagnosis has been especially difficult for Mathew's young children, Marnie and Freddie, who are struggling to understand their father's illness and prolonged absence from home. Laura has had to balance caring for the children and supporting Mathew through his treatment, all while dealing with the emotional and financial strain of the situation. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family during this challenging time.