Those of you who know David, will know that he is a special soul, with wonder in his eyes and huge love in his heart - the kind of guy who cries when he sees a puppy, ha! He has been dealt a heavy hand these past six months and we, his nearest and dearest, are reaching out for support.

Last summer, shortly after David turned 47, we had the devastating news that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer. They had found a very large tumour spreading into surrounding lymph nodes and towards his spine. Whilst this news was a huge shock, there was hope that despite the size of the tumour, it hadn’t spread elsewhere. The NHS would not operate on the tumour due to its size and recommended an intensive treatment plan consisting of three months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in order to shrink it. Only then, if the tumour shrank sufficiently, could the surgery be performed to save his life.

As a result, David put his life on hold. He deferred his final year of training to become a counsellor, took sick leave from his two care jobs, gave up his driving license and poised himself for what the doctors said would be a gruelling and testing time. Well, it has been that and then some. What has made this experience so much more challenging for David is the horrendous nerve pain he has been enduring leaving him literally floored and writhing around in agony, unable to properly sleep or rest for weeks on end. Despite trying a slew of very strong pain medications, as well as cannabis oil, nothing has given him the relief he so desperately needs.

Following his treatment plan, he was heartbroken to learn that although the recent scan showed the tumour had shrunk significantly, it had spread to a critical vein and his spinal cord. The goalposts changed and all hopes were pinned on an even more specialised and complex surgery at Southampton Hospital. David had a nerve-wracking three week wait and was finally told this week that he was eligible for the surgery. Although the surgery will not be without risk or potential consequence, this news is a lifeline; the recommended alternative was palliative care with ongoing chemotherapy aimed at prolonging life, rather than saving it. He is due to have a consultation with the surgeon on 5th May and we hope the surgery will be scheduled very soon after.

However, there is more to surviving cancer than removing it and this is where we ask for your help. Whilst the treatment so far and the upcoming surgery aim to target the cancer itself, there is a crucial approach to his journey that the NHS simply does not offer. That is, strengthening David's immune system and overall health; providing him with the best chance of recovery, preventing reoccurring cancers and giving him the best quality of life moving forward, that he so deeply deserves. So, we have been researching options and seeking advice for him to also pursue integrative and functional medicine treatments that would immensely support his cancer journey.

We are currently exploring options for David to attend a world renowned integrative treatment facility after his recovery from surgery. He would also greatly benefit from several supportive therapies right now, including Integrative Oncology, Oncothermia (hyperthermia treatment), IV Mistletoe Therapy, IV Vitamin C, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Nutritional Therapy, aswell as Acupuncture, high-quality supplements and food and other things.

Whilst the NHS has provided fantastic care at times, the delays in tests, updates, and consultations have been incredibly frustrating for David and the people close to him. Time is of the essence right now. If there are any further delays with his upcoming surgery, we may need to consider private options. Should we pursue this route, the funds raised will be prioritised for that purpose.

So, by swallowing his pride and following the encouragement of his loved ones, we have created this Go Fund Me page for David, where you can contribute as much as you feel able. David will be added as a beneficiary so the monies will go into his account.

His family and friends are in awe of David. He has dealt with this one day at a time, with grace, humility and never ceasing to shine that beautiful light of his ✨

Thank you for reading. Please do what you can and share far and wide ❤️ (You can leave words of support through your donation receipt).

From Caz (friend of David)

**Message from David**

It is a strange yet sobering feeling, finding myself face to face with my mortality. For the most part, I have managed to keep myself sane, drawing from every strength I have to surrender and trust. I desperately want to live. This experience has reminded me how much richness and beauty I have around me. There is so much more for me to experience in this life - with my girlfriend Nicoleta, my Mum, Brother, friends and my work as a counsellor supporting others through difficult times, as I find myself in now.

Why donate to me, what makes me so special? Why do I deserve money from anybody when there are hundreds of thousands of people in need around the world? These are all questions I keep asking myself. But I have to ask: if I don’t ask, you won’t know that I desperately need your help.

Thank you - I have so much love and appreciation for you all.

David xxx