It's St David's Day, where those who celebrate strive to "do the little things in life." This fundraiser is an attempt to do just that. I'd like to help Liv, my partner, tackle the immense financial burden that has come with her recent cancer diagnosis. This is an appeal to those with the means to "do the little things" and make a difference by donating what they can.

Since starting treatment, Liv has had to stop working. Those who undergo chemotherapy are immunocompromised, and in Liv's case, it is unsafe for her to continue working. As a result, for the entirety of her treatment (5 months minimum), she will rely solely on statutory sick-pay (£118.75 per week) and universal credit (£628.10 per month). After rent & bills, this leaves Liv with less than £300 per month to live on in London. With multiple weekly hospital visits, this only just covers her monthly transportation fares.

This is not enough to live on. The UK government's lack of support for people like Liv is sickening. It is a systemic failure of care, and witnessing this injustice inflict the person I care about the most has galvanised me into action. This is why, in addition to this fundraiser, I pledge to raise money and awareness for MacMillan Cancer Support, who offer essential support and advice to those in Liv's shoes. I will raise this money by running a marathon in 2027, and links to this additional fundraiser will be shared in due course.

Rest assured, the issue at the heart of this fundraiser is far bigger than Liv or myself, but given the lack of state-support available to individuals in need, regular people like us are left with no option but to appeal to the community for support, as the state has let us all down.

Standing beside Liv during this experience has given me greater perspective on the things that matter. It seems more vital than ever before to do the little things in life. Campaigning and speaking up for those most vulnerable in our society has never felt more urgent. I want this fundraiser to mark the beginning of a new journey for me. I pledge to raise money every year for a different cause from hereon. For now, please donate to Liv if you can. It would mean the world.

Diolch x

(An important message from GoFundMe: no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this fundraiser).