Dear Family, Friends and Kind Supporters,

Our Dad, Len De la Haye, has recently been diagnosed with stage III oesophageal cancer, which has already spread to nearby lymph nodes. It’s an aggressive and rapidly developing cancer. In May 2025, a CT scan showed no signs of cancer, yet by August it had already advanced to stage III. Fortunately, at this stage it is still localised and has not spread to nearby organs.

He is now in pain daily and at the point where he has to liquidise all food, as he is struggling to swallow because of the tumour, leading to significant weight loss. Without urgent medical intervention, the cancer will progress quickly, further affecting his quality of life. Time is truly running out, and he may only have months to live.

Len has completed all his diagnostic tests in the U.S., and his doctors believe that with immediate treatment, he has a real chance of complete recovery. The treatment plan involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, possibly followed by surgery. Without this, the cancer will likely progress to stage IV, which is terminal.

Len’s finances have already been severely depleted due to medical costs to date, including extensive testing and a recent heart operation.

He was hoping to set up a repayment plan for the cancer treatment. However, the hospital is requiring full payment upfront. Unfortunately, the total cost of continuing cancer treatment in the U.S. is far beyond his present means.

He has explored returning to the U.K. for treatment; however, the logistics and time required to set everything up there would cause significant delays. His oncologist fears that by the time he could begin treatment in the U.K., the cancer may already have progressed to stage IV, which would no longer be treatable.

We’re reaching out for help to give him a fighting chance. Funds raised will go directly towards medicine and medical expenses.

Everyone who knows Len will tell you what an unforgettable character he is. A man with a twinkle in his eye, a quick joke at the ready, and a true zest for life. He has an endless love for the sea and has weathered many storms in life already, but this is one he can not face alone.

Your support through a donation, sharing this page, or sending encouragement will help him begin treatment in time and give him a real chance to fight back. Every contribution brings hope and a much-needed boost in spirit.

Thank you for standing by us to support Len through this ordeal.

With love and gratitude,

The De la Haye Family