Mat Angels, 38, from Kilburn, endured two years of pain before being diagnosed with a rare tumour in his spine.
His ordeal began in 2022 when he sought medical help for severe back pain.
After two MRI scans, he was diagnosed with a degenerated disc and prescribed physiotherapy and acupuncture.
Despite treatment, Mat found that nothing relieved the agony.
He said: “I wasn’t sleeping.
“The pain was unbearable.”
It was only after a third MRI in May 2024, taken slightly lower on his spine, that doctors discovered a tumour.
A biopsy confirmed it was chordoma, a rare type of sarcoma.
By then, the tumour had grown large enough to compress nerves controlling his bladder and bowel.
He said: “I remember my girlfriend asking how a golf ball-sized tumour could be missed?
“But we learned the tumour was just below where the normal MRI ends.”
In July, he had a temporary stoma bag fitted, followed by major surgery in August at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) to remove the tumour.
He spent two months in hospital, unable to walk or lie on his back, a devastating blow for someone whose life revolved around football.
Mat eventually got back on his feet and learned to walk again.
He said: “I’m very grateful for the doctors and nurses at the RNOH who continue to take care of me.
“I’ve seen first-hand the tireless work they do day and night.”
The surgery left Mat with nerve loss that still affects his bladder and bowel function
He was discharged from hospital on November 1 and has steadily rebuilt his strength.
He is now cancer-free but has scans every three months to monitor for recurrence.
His girlfriend Bernie stressed the need for public awareness.
She said: “The standard MRI misses this particular subtype of sarcoma.
“MRIs need to take account for that extra little bit of your spine.
“Those nerves had to be sacrificed because the tumour had grown large enough to press against them.”
Mat has returned to coaching but now has to manage his energy levels and can no longer work long hours.
Despite this, is leading a team of ten Santas in the Santa in the City walk to raise funds for Sarcoma UK.
His partner, mother, and members of his football club will join him.
‘Team Mat’s Angels’ are donning their Santa suits in aid of Sarcoma UK for tomorrow evening’s Santa in the City walk, the first of which took place yesterday (December 2). There will be two more walks tonight and tomorrow.
For more information go to: www.santainthecity.co.uk
Mat’s Angels have so far raised over £2,000. The link to donate to them can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2e7a8-raising-money-for-sarcoma-uk
Helen Stradling, support line manager at Sarcoma UK, said: “Mat’s story highlights the critical importance of thorough and careful MRI scanning, particularly when dealing with symptoms that persist despite initial investigations.
“Chordomas are incredibly rare and, as Mat’s case demonstrates, comprehensive scanning of the entire spinal region is essential to avoid missed diagnoses that can have life-changing consequences.
“We’re enormously grateful to Mat, Bernie and their team for taking part in Santa in the City.”
Mat’s advice to others is simple.
He said: “Always listen to your body.
“I never for a second thought it could be cancer when I was having those back pains.
“Always get a second opinion.”
