‘Gutted to hear @mrdalebowes has died,’ Steph McGovern wrote on social media today.
‘Dale was one of our fabulous lunchmates who always brought so much wisdom and joy to the show, even in the middle of his brutal cancer treatment.’
Bowes appeared as a Lunchmate on the show in 2023.
He was first diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in 2003, and again in 2021 and for the third time last year.
On his fundraiser page, Bowes is described as an ‘intelligent, caring and loved’ man, who wanted to become a geography teacher and help others suffering with serious illness through his media appearances and via social media.
With an inquisitive mind and a keen fascination with weather patterns, geography and politics, Bowes began an open university degree to pursue his ambitions while working full time as a teaching assistant.
In his final year of university he moved to York St John University to make friends and be more sociable while still living at home with his parents, Corin and Danny.
Covid restrictions meant this didn’t last for long, but he worked hard back at home on his degree and completed it, giving him the opportunity to become a teacher.
But after being accepted into his first school, in August 2021 Bowes went to A&E with what he thought was a chest infection, but turned out to be a mass in his left lung, which had to be drained, leading to four blood transfusions.
Doctors then spotted internal bleeding and an infection, so days later Bowes was taken into surgery and his family were warned he may not wake up.
Post-surgery, Bowes was transferred to ICU in critical condition but he started to recover and was moved to a ward where the sarcoma was discovered for the second time in his life.
Back home, Bowes began his training part time and in November 2021 he began 12 weeks of chemotherapy.
He was forced to defer his teaching for a year, and began sharing his journey on TikTok in order to help others.
In May 2022 he was given the all clear, but just a month later Bowes returned to A&A coughing up blood and in July it was confirmed his cancer had returned.
He began chemotherapy again, and in August that year Bowes and his family were told his cancer was terminal.
Bowes remained ‘positive’ after hearing the news, and in November that year was told he was eligible to take part in St Christie Trust in Manchester’s experimental t-cell immunotherapy trial.
During this trial period, Bowes shared his story multiple times on the Channel 4 show.
After seeing some improvements and reductions in tumours following the trial, in October last year he began to feel pain again and it was discovered some were growing again.
‘In March 2024, we got the news we had been dreading,’ his fundraiser page reads, ‘there were no more treatment options for Dale as he had become too unwell.’
‘Dale continued to get worse until he was admitted into St Gemma’s Hospice on the 25th of March 2024 for end of life care.’
After the news of Bowes’ death, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Communications at Sarcoma UK, said in a statement to Metro.co.uk: ‘Sarcoma UK is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dale Bowes due to sarcoma cancer. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.
‘Dale faced his diagnosis with remarkable resilience and openness. He used his warmth and candour on Steph’s Packed Lunch to raise awareness about sarcoma. His willingness to share his journey helped educate the public on this rare and aggressive disease.
‘Synovial sarcoma is so rare it accounts for just 0.03% of all cancers. Sarcoma UK is currently funding research into synovial sarcoma. Dale’s story underscores the urgent need for more research into new sarcoma treatments to improve outcomes for patients.
‘Dale’s positive spirit in the face of adversity was an inspiration. We hope his loved ones can take comfort in knowing his advocacy has helped raise much-needed awareness of this cruel disease.
‘For anyone who needs support, they may contact our Sarcoma UK Support Line by calling 08088010401 or visit our support page.’
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Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
