Help Our Family Through the Fight of Our Lives

Hi, my name is Emma, and I’m a wife, a mum to a sweet 2-year-old, and currently pregnant with our second baby — all while my husband, Martin, is fighting a brain tumour.

In August 2022, our world changed forever when Martin was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma, a rare form of brain cancer. He’s been facing this battle with incredible courage, but the emotional and financial toll on our young family is overwhelming.

Martin was made redundant from his job in 2023, and since then, he has struggled to find work — not just because we live in a rural area, but also because many employers are unable or unwilling to accommodate his illness and additional needs. He now experiences seizures and can no longer drive, which has left him isolated at home and unable to access much-needed support and independence.

I work long hours as an A&E doctor, doing my best to care for others while also trying to care for my own family — managing the home, looking after our toddler, attending medical appointments, and preparing for the arrival of our new baby.

We’re incredibly grateful to even have the chance to grow our family. Both of our children are IVF babies, conceived through fertility treatment after a long and emotional journey. It took everything we had — emotionally, physically, and financially — to bring them into the world. And now, with another baby on the way and Martin’s health declining, we’re navigating yet another overwhelming chapter together.

Because of Martin’s needs and the difficulty of rural life without public transport, we are likely going to need to move house to a safer, more accessible location closer to services and family.

We never imagined we’d be in this position, but we’re reaching out for support to help us cover:

• Mortgage and essential living expenses

• Credit card debt from bills wracked up when Martin lost his job and I was on maternity leave

• Baby supplies for our new arrival

• Transport and relocation costs

• Childcare

Every donation — no matter how small — means the world to us. If you can’t give, sharing our story is just as valuable and appreciated.

Thank you for helping us keep going. We’re fighting for our future, one day at a time.

With love and hope,

Emma, Martin, and our little ones

#TeamSpurgin #BrainTumourAwareness #FamilyStrong #HelpMartinHeal