Support Al, Sam & family through stage IV cancer

AL & SAM’S STORY

Al and Sam have been together for fifteen years, raising two little girls, Cassie (age three) and Marie (age one). Sam describes Al as her 'tigger' - ever energetic, fun, loving and optimistic - he burns so very bright.

Over Christmas 2023, Al was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer after six months of severe symptoms. By the time he was finally diagnosed, the cancer had spread extensively: they found fourteen tumors in his liver and multiple lesions in each lung.

The prognosis was devastating: without treatment he was given six months to live. Sadly the only treatment path for Al is palliative as his tumors are so large and numerous they’re considered inoperable.

Al’s treatment began with colostomy surgery to bypass the tumour obstructing his bowel. He then began a course of FOLFIRI chemotherapy. 

His cancer has a specific mutation called BRAF V600E which occurs in 8%-12% of metastatic colorectal cancer cases and is associated with poor survival because the cancer is extremely aggressive.

There is another target treatment for Al’s particular cancer, which can be given alongside FOLFIRI called Bevacizumab, but it’s not currently available on the NHS.

Al and Sam write together for theatre and television. When they had two babies during the pandemic (which completely shut down the theatre industry), they had to live off their savings – which eventually ran out. They gave up their rented home and friends and family put them up until they could get back on their feet. They were just finding their footing again when this new disaster struck. Cancer has rendered their lives and their fragile livelihood in ruins.

Any help is hugely appreciated to explore all possible treatment options and create memories with their girls in the time Al has left.

Thank you for your support.