Popular Swansea teacher and charity founder reveals battle to stay alive after devastating diagnosis

He had absolutely no symptoms04:04, 15 Aug 2026When Phil Owen began experiencing symptoms of an upset stomach, he could never have imagined his personal ordeal that was going to come next.‌The 59-year-old, from Swansea, is founder of a surf programme called Ocean Therapy, which has helped Armed Forces veterans, young people, and others rebuild their confidence in the water.‌But away from his time helping others, Mr Owen was dealing with ongoing stomach discomfort, which he had visited his GP for on many occasions. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here.‌“I’d been back and forth to the GP, for what must have been around five months with an upset stomach, IBS type symptoms," Mr Owen recalled.“In mid-August, 2025, my symptoms changed overnight, and I went from that to