For the past seven years, James McPherson (Mr McPherson to the younger cohort of our community!) has been shaping young lives as a primary school teacher at Law Primary School in North Berwick. Outside the classroom, he serves our community in another vital way — as a firefighter at the local fire station. Day in, day out, he shows up for others. Calm in a crisis, reliable, selfless, someone who has hugely and positively impacted so many families in our community.

Now, he urgently needs help himself.

James has been diagnosed with an aggressive, stage 4 brain tumour — glioblastoma, measuring 7cm x 4cm. It is a devastating diagnosis, and without intervention the life expectancy is 12-15 months from diagnosis with standard care. Even with treatment, there is currently no cure, however the buying of time opens the door to potential future lifesaving treatments.

Despite these odds and true to his spirit, he is determined to fight for that time.

James is a father to two sons and a daughter, and his focus is on securing as much time as possible with them while exploring every available option.

He is actively seeking specialist treatments that are not yet widely available in the UK. These options are complex and costly, but they also offer the only chance to extend his life. Unfortunately, waiting for NHS pathways would take far too long. Urgent intervention is needed now, and the only viable route is private care.

The costs are overwhelming.

Optune therapy is one of the most advanced treatment options currently available for glioblastoma and has been shown to extend survival for some patients. Unfortunately, it is not available through the NHS.

Accessing Optune privately costs between £15,000 and £20,000 per month. We are therefore aiming to raise an average of £17,000 per month to give James the opportunity to begin and continue this treatment.

Funds raised will go directly toward urgent medical expenses — consultations, treatments, travel, and associated care — giving James the chance to pursue every possible option without delay.

James is someone who has devoted his life to giving back: guiding children in the classroom, protecting lives as a firefighter. Now, we have the opportunity to give something back.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and bring hope at an unimaginably difficult time. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.