Hi, my name is Debbie and I’m raising funds for my partner, Dan.

Before Dan was diagnosed with Stage 3 T4 oesophageal cancer, he had a long-held dream of building his own workshop — a place where he could create, fix things, and find peace doing what he loved. The project was started before his diagnosis, but everything changed very quickly.

We were let down by a builder, and soon after Dan became seriously unwell. As his illness progressed, our household income dropped, and the money we had carefully saved for the workshop had to be used for essential living costs and bills.

What matters to know about Dan is the kind of person he is.

Before he became ill, Dan helped an old work colleague who was also battling cancer. His friend’s dream was to see his grandchildren playing on garden equipment he had bought for them but became too unwell to build. Dan stepped in with a friend and helped make that happen — not for recognition, but because that’s who he is.

Dan has also fostered a child — offering stability, care, and a safe home to someone who needed it. Helping others has never been an afterthought for him; it’s part of who he is.

While we don’t know what the future holds, we do know that comfort, meaning, and moments of joy matter more than ever.

Finishing Dan’s workshop would give him something deeply important — a sense of purpose, normality, and pride. A space that represents the life he was building before illness took over, and somewhere he can still enjoy being himself.

This fundraiser isn’t about luxury or extras. It’s about completing a dream that began before cancer changed everything — and giving Dan the chance to enjoy it now.

Any donation, no matter the size, would help us move closer to finishing the workshop. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and for helping us give Dan something meaningful during this time.