Running out of time, please help..

Hi, my name is Darren.

I am a dog walker on the beautiful island of Portland in Dorset, and part of a wonderful community. I want to crowdfund for one of my clients, a wonderful lady named Christine. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, it came as a real shock to us all. Christine would love to go and visit her daughter and three granddaughters in Connecticut, USA, before her health deteriorates too much to be able to travel. However, due to her cancer the travel insurance has become cost prohibitive, hence why I am reaching out for your help. We are a few friends that have helped set up this fund for her, in the hope that we can help her make the trip and see her family.

Here is Christine’s story in her own words.

"My name is Christine Barnard and I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer in July last year. Since then, my doctors have been able to slow down and stabilise my cancer to enable me to enjoy some degree of quality of life for as long as possible.

Before my diagnosis I planned a trip to America to go and see my daughter and three granddaughters. Understandably this had to be postponed, but now I would like to make that trip while I still have the energy and strength to do so. The past year was a hard and slow journey in which I had to learn to walk again.

I would love to see my grandchildren again. During my illness my daughter made a couple of short trips to England to support me, but due to her studies and financial situation that has become not affordable anymore.

Under the circumstances the only realistic option I have to see them again, before my health deteriorates too much, is for me to travel to America. To make the most of any trip it will have to happen within the next few months.

It is also better for me to travel to them because of accommodation issues. Due to my illness, I had several installations and conversions done and it is not suitable and big enough to accommodate three young children anymore.

A second reason is the disruption to my daughter and grandchildren’s school years. My daughter is furthering her education and studies at university while she also works. She cannot take time off without jeopardising the completion of her degree entirely. Postponing her studies will result in extra tuition and university fees, which she does not have. Also taking my grandchildren out now and mid-term, will cause significant disruption to their school year.

Considering timing, costs, my health and accommodation it makes much more sense for me to make the trip to them. For these reasons I revived my previous travel plans.

Due to the hot Connecticut climate, the ideal time for me to go is in May/June as high heat will cause me issues with my health and strength, but a few weeks ago, when I started to make travelling arrangements, I ran into an unexpected obstacle. Due to my cancer the travelling insurance has become unaffordable. Normally insurance will cost a few hundred pounds, but because of my illness the quote I got from the insurance company is £6,000.

I have already saved up for my airfare and other travel expenses, but I simply cannot afford the insurance costs, it is the one cost holding me back. I am currently reliant on disability benefits and there is just no way I could save to meet the costs in time and I don't know what state my health will be by the time the climate is suitable enough for me to travel."

Christine is part of a small close-knit island community and a few of us are trying to help her fund her visit to her daughter. This crowd fund is part of our efforts, which also include a sponsored dog walk, and a baking sale.

Depending on how much interest it generates, I am planning to do a sponsored walk with my dog Ozzy, between Weymouth and Poole. I plan to document our journey on my social media channels. If you are interested to help sponsor that please get in touch on here.

Please help us realise Christine’s dream of seeing her daughter and granddaughters. I truly appreciate any help! Life is short, sometimes too short, and it would be incredible if we manage to get Christine over to the States to see her family before it becomes impossible for her to travel.

Thank you so much for any help you can provide.