The mascot at Wolves’ memorable play-off final victory against Sheffield United at the Millennium Stadium, who was diagnosed with brain cancer a year ago, has been given a devastating prognosis of just six to 12 months to live.
Mitch Middleton, aged 28, who led the Wolves team out with manager Dave Jones at the Millennium Stadium back in 2003, was first diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023, which led to almost a year of gruelling treatment, involving endless hospital visits and intensive chemotherapy.
After undergoing a stem cell transplant last September, he began rebuilding his life, travelling with his girlfriend, returning to work and moving into his own home.
Tragically, however, during a routine MRI scan in November, Mitch and his family received the crushing news that the tumour had returned, and there was nothing more that could be done, apart from palliative radiotherapy to extend his life.
Mitch sought advice from a private specialist in London and was told about CAR T-cell therapy, which may have the potential to save his life but is not available to him on the NHS and comes at a cost of £475,000.
“At 28, I feel like I’ve still got my whole life to live, with my partner and my family,” Mitch said on receiving the devastating news.
“I’ve not had kids, but my niece and nephews are all young, and I’m probably not going to see them grow up.
“I don’t feel like it’s my time to die, I’ve got so much more to give.”
Family and friends have now come together to launch a fundraising campaign to try to help raise the money which will allow Mitch to access the potentially life-saving treatment.
“CAR T-cell therapy is a cutting-edge option that the NHS uses for secondary cancers, but because Mitch’s is a primary tumour, it falls outside the guidelines for funding,” says his sister Jessie.
“This means that his only chance at survival is to raise the funds privately – and time is not on our side.
“Mitch had had to spend some time in hospital since Boxing Day, battling worsening symptoms, including dizziness and nausea, and an infection has left him weak and unable to enjoy life.
“He has also begun whole-brain radiotherapy, a gruelling treatment to control his tumour, which has already worsened his symptoms and possibly caused a seizure.
“But this is the only hope to prepare for CAR T-cell therapy.”
Mitch was granted a Wolves Wish after his initial diagnosis a year ago, receiving a signed shirt, but the club are now supporting the family’s campaign to raise awareness of his condition by sharing his story.
As well as helping co-ordinate the fundraising campaign, Jessie is also doing her own skydive to raise funds as she spearheads the drive to save her brother’s life.
“Mitch is a natural charmer who captures people with his humour and energy,” she says.
“As the youngest of four siblings – and the only boy – he’s our loveable rogue, adored by his nieces and nephews, who he loves to spoil.
“Before his diagnosis, Mitch was building his dream life. As a qualified gas engineer, he had started his own business with the goal of buying a house with his girlfriend. He loved to travel, exploring new places and indulging his love of good food – steak always being at the top of his list.
“Mitch’s energy and charisma makes him someone everyone wants to be around. Now, we are fighting to make sure he gets the chance to keep living the life he worked so hard to build.
“He has so much to live for, and we cannot give up on him.”
