Following his own treatment for bone cancer

Matt Forde has become an ambassador for the Bone Cancer Research Trust

It comes after the comedian and podcast was treated for chordoma, a form of primary bone cancer.

In 2023, Forde experienced blistering nerve pain in his left buttock which escalated quickly over just a couple of weeks to a point where his pain was so extreme he couldn't move.  He  was referred for an MRI and received the diagnosis of a sacral chordoma, which affects around 35 people in the UK and Ireland each year.

Forde said: ‘Awareness of primary bone cancer is vital. It can be the difference between life and death. It can also be the difference in your quality of life following treatment. In my case, finding it when I did means that despite having the base of my spine removed, I can still walk.

‘I’m determined to raise as much awareness as possible, alongside raising crucial funds to drive research forward which is desperately needed. We don’t know enough about rare forms of cancer like the one I had.’

‘That’s why I’m delighted to become an ambassador of the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Having had bone cancer, I continue to live with the effects of surgery. I have a stoma, have to self-catheterise and also suffer from erectile dysfunction, which is hard. Sorry, I mean soft.’

Forde has been collecting money for the Leeds-based charity at his gigs, with audiences donating more than £8,000 so far.

Will Burchell, CEO at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said: ‘It was an absolute honour to meet Matt in person on his tour and witness him stand in front of hundreds of people, passionately sharing more about the charity and our mission, Now, it is an even greater pleasure to welcome Matt as our ambassador.

‘Matt has already helped us to raise an incredible amount of awareness and funds to support our vital work. As he welcomed us on his tour, we wholeheartedly welcome him on our journey as our ambassador until there’s a cure.’

» The Bone Cancer Research Trust

Published: 11 Mar 2025