Help Secure My Family’s Future During My Battle with Cancer

My name is Steve, and writing this is the hardest thing I've ever done.

A few years ago, I found a new happiness again. We built a relationship and planned for our future growing old together.

Last year, Kirsten and I bought what we believed would be our forever home, a sanctuary where we could build beautiful memories together with her wonderful daughters, Éowyn (18) and Halle (13). We spent joyful weeks unpacking boxes, decorating rooms, and imagining all the holidays, celebrations, and milestones we'd share here. Along with a new place of joy for my children, Jack (27), Tyler (23) and Caitlin (21) and Kirsten's eldest Josh (23) to come visit and feel relaxed and safe. A new family hub.

But life had other plans. Just as we settled into our dream, I received devastating news: Stage 4 colorectal cancer that had aggressively spread to my liver. Overnight, our dreams turned into uncertainty and fear. I have an aggressive mutation (KRAS) and a number of other issues (MSS and an enzyme deficiency) that means this is incredibly difficult to treat and the odds are stacked against me.

This all came as a shock for everyone, even the doctors, since I had a colorectal check up in Jan 2023 and was all clear. So going from nothing to stage 4 in just over 18 months with no early symptoms is just typical of me not doing anything by half.

I've been through 12 cycles of 1st line chemotherapy and have just started, 4 cycles in, of 2nd line chemotherapy.

However, I have just found out that my 2nd line treatment has failed to make any impact. This means my options are even more limited and time is so much more precious.

We did everything we could to protect our family financially, securing a life insurance policy to ensure whoever was left would have no worries financially with our home.

Cruelly, a technicality robbed us of that safety net, a single blood test taken just one day before my policy became fully active began the investigation into my diagnosis for something I didn’t even suspect I had. Despite passing all initial medical checks, the insurance claim was declined, leaving my family without the vital protection I had counted on.

Now, our beloved home feels like an unbearable burden. The mortgage payments will stretch Kirsten to the edge of her means, especially whilst she supports our family and cares for me through my gruelling chemotherapy treatments. The physical and emotional toll is immense, yet I have pushed myself to return to work, battling severe neuropathy, fatigue, and exhaustion caused by the chemotherapy, to work at saving towards our house. Each pay cheque is a desperate attempt to buy my family security. I am battling this disease hard with permanent fortnightly chemo, but the prognosis isn't in my favour, and each day, week and month is an absolute bonus, but one that is permanently overshadowed by the worry of what's to come.

My goal is to raise £100,000. This sum would significantly reduce our mortgage, transforming it from an overwhelming worry into a manageable responsibility for Kirsten and the girls when I'm no longer here.

I realize this is a large dream amount, but every contribution, no matter how small, will make a profound difference.

Those who know me from my heartfelt involvement with the community of the Mid West Management Summit (MMS) know how deeply I value connection, friendship, and giving back. Today, I find myself humbly asking for support, kindness, and compassion.

I never thought I’d be in this position, asking for charity, but cancer has left me with little choice.

Every donation, share, and message of support brings peace of mind and strength during this incredibly difficult time. Please help us secure a stable future for Kirsten and our children combined.

If you aren’t able to donate, please do share this campaign with others. Your network may include someone who may be in a position to help.

From the depths of my heart, thank you.