A man experienced paralysis from the chest down after what began as back pain was revealed to be testicular cancer.
Mal Nash, at 42, had been enduring lower back pain for six months. Eventually, the discomfort became severe enough that he sought medical advice.
Initially, doctors diagnosed him with nerve pain, prescribing painkillers and sending him home. However, the “convulsions” worsened, and he found it increasingly difficult to walk.
After two more visits to the emergency room, an MRI scan revealed that Mal had metastatic seminoma, a type of testicular cancer. This cancer had spread and affected his spine, specifically between T6 and T7, causing gradual paralysis over the course of a week.
By the time he received the diagnosis, he was completely paralyzed from the chest down and was informed that this condition would likely be permanent.
His twin brother, Kevin, also 42, and a window cleaner from Newton Abbot in Devon, described the situation as heartbreaking. “He had pain in his back that radiated into his chest and then into his shoulder,” he said. “It was terrible; seeing him like that was beyond words. You think it only happens to other people.”
Mal, an ambitious entrepreneur, started experiencing his back pain in April 2025, attributing it to years spent working in a factory. He finally consulted a doctor in September, but was again sent home with painkillers.
Kevin recalled, “He took the doctor’s advice as the ultimate truth.” Soon after, Mal began having convulsions and struggled to get off the couch or navigate the stairs, prompting Kevin to call for help.
After spending hours at the hospital, Mal was again sent home with only a referral to physical therapy, despite his worsening condition.
Kevin expressed frustration, stating, “They didn’t even attempt to scan for the underlying issue; they just dismissed him.” They returned to the emergency room that same day, where Mal’s ability to walk had drastically declined.
Upon re-examination, doctors discovered that Mal’s spinal cord was compressed. In September 2025, an MRI confirmed the presence of cancer as the cause of his paralysis.
Kevin mentioned how excited Mal had been about his career. Having transitioned from factory work to starting his own carpentry business, he was eager to overcome his back pain.
Mal underwent emergency spinal surgery to restore some motor function, but unfortunately, the surgery did not succeed. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, with hopes of recovery.
Kevin shared, “We were told that the surgery didn’t work. He’s struggling to move now, but we’re hopeful for a cure.”
Mal had a passion for BMX sports and was also very enthusiastic about his new business venture. This situation is undeniably difficult for both brothers.
In light of the challenges they face, Kevin started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for making their home wheelchair accessible. “You never think it will happen to you,” he said. “We need to adapt our house for his needs, and right now, we’re just taking it one day at a time.”
In the UK, about 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer annually.
Kevin also highlighted the absence of a national testing program for testicular cancer, urging men to get regular check-ups. “It’s crucial to monitor for early signs,” he stressed, “so that no one else has to experience what my brother is going through.”
If you wish to support Kevin and Mal, donations can be made through their GoFundMe page.
