'I kept smelling things that were not real - now I am fighting for my life'

A chip shop boss nicknamed "Rambo" has shared the strange warning sign which revealed he had an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Costa Fantis, 57, who owns chips shops across North Staffordshire, displayed no symptoms except experiencing an aura smell which is a strong odour, which isn't really there. The symptom led to a tragic diagnosis ofstage 4IDH-wildtype glioblastoma in April.

The dad of four, who is best known for his popular Tean Fish Bar, now faces a race against time to undergo a treatment in Germany. He is currently enduring chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but has now been offered the "lifeline" of experimental treatments overseas at the cost of £450,000.

READ MORE: 'Silent killer' cancer symptom appears when you eat and doctors call it 'deadly'

Speaking about his condition, Son Antonio said: “It came really out of the blue. He didn’t really have any symptoms apart from an aura smell, where you smell things that aren’t real. We thought it was epilepsy or something. We took him for a scan. Unfortunately, we got the news that he had a high-grade stage 4 brain tumour. It’s the worst of the worst."

Costa is also a well known rugby and football coach, reports StokeonTrent Live. Antonio added: “We’re all shocked, devastated and heart-broken. It’s been a massive upset to the whole family. But the support we’ve received has given us a boost. It’s been a wake-up call to get something sorted and crack on with a real plan of action.

"I want to get the word out there for my dad as much as possible. The reaction to the fundraiser has been absolutely unbelievable. The love and support is real. It’s really, really helping us. We were shocked to find out the fundraiser was going out, but we were touched to see how much people care. I could sit thanking people all day and it would still be an understatement. It’s a blessing.”

Now Costa and his family are looking forward to beating the disease. Antonio added: “We’re nervous and scared, but we’re keeping positive. Because my dad is a fighter - he goes by the name of ‘Rambo’. It’s been his nickname all his life. He’s been through some big challenges in his life already and this is his biggest battle so far. But he’s going to fight through it. That’s just the kind of man he is.”

Longton’s Greek Orthodox Church has started an online fundraiser. You can support the fundraiser for Costa by visiting the GoFundMe page, here.