Please Help Jose & Kim

Our dear friend, colleague and work family member needs our help.

Jose began experiencing sharp pains in his chest only a few short months ago. Initially Physicians suggested pneumonia, then as it gradually worsened suggested possibly that it could be tuberculosis causing his pain and swollen lymph nodes. In a very short period of time the pain worsened considerably and started spreading to other parts of his body such as his back; as well as lumps beginning to appear all over and quite rapidly. Jose began urging and demanding more help and to have his situation looked at more thoroughly, prompting Physicians to dig deeper.

A few short weeks ago Jose underwent a Biopsy and had several scans and tests run. Initial results were a diagnosis of Stage 4 Melanoma. The Cancer had progressed to a point where it was determined that Chemotherapy would not work and Jose was scheduled to commence curative immunotherapy treatments, less than a week after his biopsy was conducted. However, instead of commencing his treatments as planned last week, Jose was informed that further scan and test results revealed he has Aggressive Metastatic Melanoma. His Cancer is very aggressive and has very quickly spread to his spine, his lungs, his brain… in fact to every organ in his body as of this date, accept his Liver.

Jose is now undergoing palliative treatment. Due to his condition and prescribed treatment plan, Jose is unable to continue his work as a Chef, is unable to drive his car or to carry out many of the day to day functions of a normal life.

All of this comes so suddenly, and at a time when Jose had already been struggling financially with a reduced income due to forced business closures over the pandemic. He was just getting back to a fuller income with the recent re-opening of the business, with hopes of being able to soon recover from what has become a rather lengthy period of financial difficulty. Instead he is now facing even further financial hardship, at a time when he should be able to focus on his well-being and enjoying his family.

Jose is merely 36 years of age. Despite his diagnosis, Jose remains positive and has great plans ahead including marrying his fiance and bride to be Kim in the very near future, as well as to see his parents who are in Spain and he has been unable to see for some time due to financial constraints and travel restrictions in place during the pandemic. He is adored by his wife to be, his family, his work family and friends, many of our locals and so many members of the community who have come to know Jose over the years. We know that many will want to help.

Friends, colleagues, family, if you may be able to afford to help Jose and Kim in any way, please do. Every little bit helps in being able to manage their so very sudden new life situation, loss of income, costs of medical care and well-being, increased costs of day to day travel, being able to afford a wedding and to spend some time with Jose’s family. Let’s help to lift their financial strain so Jose and Kim can focus on Jose’s health and their happiness as a family.

If preferred to donating via this campaign, donations to Jose’s fund may be made in person at The Old Hatchet. 100% of all funds donated at the Pub will be deposited to Jose’s fund account directly. Please go to www.oldhatchet.co.uk for business opening hours should you wish to make a donation in person.