Hi, I am Nicola, Mum, to Harry & Liam Exley - on the 1st August 2026 I will be climbing Mount Snowdon & on the 23rd August 2026 we will be holding Liam's Day at Swaffham Town Football Club. These two events aim to raise awareness and much needed funds for Mesothelioma UK, in memory of my wonderful son Liam. This is Liam’s story.

18 months ago, our wonderful Liam, sadly passed away at age 20, with mesothelioma, an already rare cancer, made even rarer with no risk factors and 5 decades younger than average diagnosis.

Liam was the light in the life of everyone who was lucky enough to know him; happy, kind, loving, intelligent and funny. Having finished his schooling, he was completing his carpentry apprenticeship with Flagship Housing - well on his way to qualifying as a kitchen fitter. He was an incredibly talented sportsman - football and cricket being two of his main passions. He was still playing cricket the summer before he passed away - scoring 87 runs not out in his last match! Constantly looking forward, he was planning his future with friends and family - places he was going to go, and things he was going to do. Full of boundless love and energy, there was never a dull moment when Liam was around.

In 2021, at just 17 years old Liam was first admitted to hospital, what followed was 3 years of recurrent hospital admissions. Each time with similar symptoms, endless investigations - bloods, xrays, scans and all manner of invasive treatments. Both Liam & I felt something wasn’t right, we pushed for further investigations and answers but nothing prepared us for the devastating news in 2024, following a lymph node biopsy, that Liam had Stage 4 - Mesothelioma. We were all heartbroken. The strength and bravery shown by Liam in those 3 years was nothing short of incredible, and when his golden heart stopped for the final time in October 2024, the legacy of his life changed those around him forever.

Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to experience, and what an incredibly overwhelming time it has been. Just like Liam, I won’t give up, I can do brave things and I am determined to share Liam’s story, to raise awareness, and to help advocate for others. I want to continue to make Liam proud - his fight was never in vain, and his story will continue to improve things for everyone that has to fight the same fight after him.

Thank you to everyone for your support and donations. Please keep Liam’s memory alive by continuing to share his story.