Yan Hodkinson, from St Helens, was an ‘amazing’ dad-of-three who died from stage four cancer that started on his tonsil after initially being treated for tonsillitis
A beloved father, who has been battling health issues for the past few years, has tragically passed away. Yan Hodkinson, a resident of St Helens, died last week at the age of 47.
His partner, Jayne Chisnall, 46, expressed her profound shock at his sudden death in a heartfelt tribute. Yan and Jayne had been a couple for 29 years, having first crossed paths as teenagers through mutual friends. They were parents to three children – Jack, 20, Ruby, 16, and Max, 11.
Jayne fondly remembered Yan as the “life and soul of every party”. Jayne said: “He was amazing. Everybody who met him knew they had met him. He loved playing pranks on people. Everybody’s got a funny tale to tell about him.”
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In 2023, Yan was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a type of bowel disease, despite having no prior health issues. According to Jayne, he became quite ill but was “getting through it”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
However, in December of the previous year, Yan began experiencing a “hoarse voice”. Initially attributing it to his medication, the problem persisted.
Jayne recalled: “Through to January, he had a flare up with his ulcerative colitis again and then he kept getting a sore throat. In April time, we lost his mum and he wasn’t very well then.
“He was being treated for tonsillitis at the time. Then there was swelling in his neck, so I was pushing him and said, there’s something not right here.”
In June, Yan was diagnosed with stage four squamous cell carcinoma. This is a type of skin cancer, often characterised by bumps and growths on the skin. Yan was informed by doctors that the cancer had originated in his left tonsil before spreading to his tongue, jaw, and forming tumours in his neck.
Despite the severity of his condition, his treatment initially appeared to be successful. Jayne shared: “They let him come home and said he was doing well.”
However, on Sunday, December 14, Yan suffered a carotid blowout, a condition where the carotid artery ruptures, typically due to advanced head or neck cancer, leading to severe bleeding. Upon arrival at the hospital, Yan was tragically pronounced dead. Jayne and their family are still grappling with the devastating news.
Jayne expressed her grief, saying: “He was doing so well, but because of the radiation and the tumours wrapped around these major arteries in his neck, it’s caused a lot of damage and it’s been fatal for him. It’s absolutely devastating. The children are heartbroken but have been absolute rocks.”
A JustGiving crowdfunding page has been established in Allan’s memory. As a self-employed electrician, Allan was unable to work during the final months of his life due to his illness.
With Jayne also taking sick leave to care for him, they were without an income. The funds raised will contribute towards funeral expenses and support for the children. Jayne also hopes the campaign can raise awareness about HPV-led cancer, which Yan had.
Reflecting on their loss, Jayne said: “This year has been such a tragic and sad year. Me and the kids will miss him forever.”
More information about the fundraiser can be found here.
