Young Father James Hastings Loses Battle with Cancer at 41

A young father from Kinvara, Ireland, has passed away after a courageous battle against cancer. James Hastings, aged 41, succumbed to Stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma, commonly known as bile duct cancer, at Galway Hospice last week, with his family by his side. His story captured the hearts of many in the community as he fought for access to potentially lifesaving treatment that was denied to him due to a lack of health insurance.

Hastings, a father of three and owner of the tyre company TyreAware, received his devastating diagnosis in June 2023. He experienced jaundice-like symptoms just before his son Ben’s First Communion. During a consultation, his oncologist delivered the grim news that no curative treatments were available, advising him to focus on palliative care instead. “He basically said go enjoy your life, book a holiday, get ready to die,” Hastings recalled at the time.

Faced with this bleak prognosis, Hastings sought alternatives. He learned that only five percent of patients with his diagnosis respond positively to immunotherapy. Determined to explore every option, he financed private tests abroad to analyze the DNA of his cancer. The results indicated that he fell within the small percentage eligible for the drug Durvalumab, which is used in Irish hospitals to treat other forms of cancer. Unfortunately, the Health Service Executive (HSE) would not provide this treatment for his condition, citing licensing restrictions.

In an effort to raise awareness and gain support for his cause, Hastings and his wife, Marian Hastings, established a website, www.jamesfightsback.ie. Their campaign garnered significant public interest, as many rallied behind their plea for access to the necessary treatment. Despite their efforts, James passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving behind his wife and their three sons: Eoin, Ben, and Joey.

Following his death, a Requiem Mass was held at St. Colman’s Church in Kinvara, followed by a ceremony at Shannon Crematorium. He is survived by his wife, children, sister Elizabeth, mother Jannette, and numerous extended family members and friends. Hastings’ legacy will continue to inspire others facing similar battles against cancer as well as those advocating for healthcare reform.

The community of Kinvara mourns the loss of a devoted father and a determined fighter who exemplified resilience in the face of adversity.