Help local family fund cancer treatment abroad

Hi, I’ve set up this GoFundMe to support two lovely local Garforth friends, Tracy and Matthew, who are facing an incredibly tough time at the start of their life together.

Many of you will know Matthew—either as a friend, through his work, or just as a familiar friendly face around Garforth and Swillington. He and Tracy were married in September 2024, but just three weeks before their big day, their world was turned upside down when Matthew was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer.

What should have been the happiest time became the start of a heartbreaking journey.

They managed to get their big day celebrations with friends and family but since then, Matthew has had to undertake five rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. In January he had major surgery and spent four weeks in hospital, including a week in ICU. He’s shown incredible strength, staying hopeful and determined every step of the way, even when it was confirmed his gruelling treatment hadn’t had any impact to his diagnosis and the cancer remained.

Just three weeks ago, Matthew was due to start a clinical trial which we all hoped would help his battle, but a routine scan revealed the worst: the cancer had progressed. Now at stage 4, it’s spread to his liver and abdomen—just seven weeks after being discharged from hospital.

He’s now back on intensive chemotherapy every 3 weeks, along with chemo tablets at home and, together with Tracy, is looking into specialist treatment options abroad. These treatments, along with private appointments, advanced tests, and travel, aren’t covered by the NHS and come at a huge cost. Each treatment is £4,000, with ten sessions recommended. On top of that, is the time off work, travel and accommodation, along with his supplements (these are £100’s a month). All of this they’ve been covering themselves so far.

This fundraiser is about more than just medical bills. It’s about giving them time—

• Time to explore every possible option

• Time to be together

• Time to make precious memories with the people they love

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it will make a real difference. Your support will help cover:

• Specialist treatments and consultations abroad

• Travel and accommodation

• Private medical tests and follow-up care

• A chance for them to focus on what matters most: each other and their young families

And if you’re not in a position to give, please consider sharing this page and helping spread the word.

Let’s show Matthew and Tracy just how much love and support surrounds them in this amazing community.

Thank you so much for anything you can do.