‘My sporting pro days are over, but I’m teaching the next generation’: Will’s story

At 6ft 9ins, Will Wise is a striking figure. In his sports kit and size 15 trainers, he looks ready to take on the world. 

But appearances can be deceptive. At 30 years old, Will has a rare and incurable stage 4 cancer. 

Will’s cancer diagnosis was shocking and devastating, changing his life in a split second. He describes the last 14 months as “shocking, scary, spontaneous and amazing”. 

While going through tough treatment, he has founded #CancerBae, a movement focused on reshaping perceptions of the disease. 

“My aim is to not only raise awareness but also provide unwavering support to those, like me, who are on what is a formidable journey,” Will says. 

“Cancer isn’t just a word to be whispered in hushed tones. It affects each of us in some way, so it’s time to redefine the narrative.” 

When he arrived, he was throwing up blood. His colleagues got him to hospital and by the time doctors examined him, his body was shutting down. 

“My heart was operating at under 10%, my lungs had failed, my kidneys had failed, and it was looking dire,” he says. 

Tests and scans revealed Will had a rare tumour known as a pheochromocytoma, a tumour of the adrenal gland. This led to a further diagnosis of a rare condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).  

This can cause tumours in the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, lips, mouth, eyes and digestive tract. Will’s cancer had spread to his thyroid gland. 

“Knowledge is power”

With research as the bedrock of treatment and survival, Will is also backing Cancer Research UK’s aim to help people live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.   

“Having stage four cancer is far from ideal and it’s daunting. But knowledge is power and the more openly we talk about these things, the better. 

“I want people to know you can live a good life with cancer. It doesn’t have to define you. I’d like to create a new, vibrant, colourful movement that’s fresh and exciting, that takes the eerie stigma away. People like me don’t want those ‘cancer eyes’ – that look people give you when they discover you have stage four.” 

Will lives with Australian fiancée, singer-songwriter Alex Hosking, 28. Alex says their goal is to remain upbeat about life. 

“For us, this isn’t about fighting cancer or even surviving it – it’s about living with it.” 

She admits that, following the diagnosis, there were lots of tears. But, once they got over the initial shock, they were able to look beyond the diagnosis and see there was so much more life to be enjoyed. 

“It was a shock and scary, especially at such a young age when you’re feeling invincible,” she says. “But even with words like ‘cancer’ and ‘stage four,’ you realise you just have to keep moving. Although it’s difficult, we try to stay positive and upbeat.”