For John Price Cancer Treatment

Help John pay for the treatment he needs 


In March 2020 my friend John Price, from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, was given the devastating news that he has oral cancer.  He was told that he has an advanced T4 aggressive tumour and that he would need to have a mandibulectomy (jaw removal) and reconstruction.  He was told that this would need to take place right away, given the stage of his tumour.  What John didn't know is that the news was going to get even worse.  Within days, John was told that he was no longer going to receive reconstruction following the surgery.  He was told first that this was because there was insufficient PPE and then he was told that a ventilator is required to perform the reconstruction.  As a result of Northern Ireland's lack of ventilators, none was available for that part of his surgery.  

As a result of reconstruction being withdrawn, John was told that he would no longer be able to talk properly or eat after his surgery.  He would live the rest of his life with the bottom half of his face effectively hanging there, unsupported. 

Getting treatment

The NHS in Northern Ireland were not able to provide this treatment to John, due to the government's appalling handling of the ventilator situation.  The shortage is so severe that a ventilator is only to be provided for NHS treatment, if needed to save a life.  Talking and eating are now considered optional extras for human beings.

Private healthcare providers were the only way of getting the treatment.  This was only available in England.  The treatment was essential for John to live any kind of normal life.  It is outrageous that the NHS were not able to provide proper treatment to someone who had paid into it his whole life.  Instead, John has had to raise loans of £50,000 to fund his treatment upfront.

 Who is John?

I have known John for over 20 years.  He is one of the kindest and most generous people that I know.  Not only is he the first one to give to a good cause; he's usually the one who organises it. 

John is a committed socialist.  He has spent his whole life involved in justice campaigns - against war and racism; against poverty, for women's rights, opposing sectarianism in NI and in support of workers' rights.  

John was an art teacher for most of his life.  He was head of the Art Department in NI's largest comprehensive school.  He loved teaching.  His students loved him. He retired in recent years and hoped to devote more time to one of his greatest loves; painting and drawing . 

John had hoped to spend his retirement painting, spending time with his wife Christina and spoiling their cat Lola.  He hadn't planned on having to choose between being saddled with huge debt paying for medical treatment; or living his life disfigured and unable to talk or eat.

Will you help?

The cost of the treatment is £50,000.  This campaign aims to raise as much as possible towards that.  Every single penny will be used for that purpose.  In the very unlikely event that the goal is exceeded, then it will be given to a cancer charity.

If you can afford a donation; then please give it.  No amount is too small.  Even the smallest amount is an act of solidarity.

Nobody would understand more than John, that many people who would love to give money, will be too poor to do so.  If you can't afford to donate, then please share the Gofundme page.  

A scandal!

It is a scandal that someone like John is left in this position.  It is a scandal that our government can spend billions maintaining Trident and stockpiling weaponry in the event of unforeseen wars but could not organise to have enough ventilators and PPE to deal with a situation of which they had been forewarned!


What happens now?

John's family & friends believe that what has happened to John (and to many others) is unlawful and that this operation should have been carried out under our collectively funded NHS.  It is appalling that our fantastic NHS has been wound down to such a level by under funding.  All attempts will be pursued to have the cost of the operation reimbursed.  In the event that this happens; then every single contributor will be contacted by the team to have their donation refunded or donated to a charity of their choice.  Any money left after that would be donated to a cancer charity.

If you want to know more about John's art, click here:-

http://www.johnpriceartist.com/waterworks.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVe-O-RAv7M

If you want to know more about John's humanity, click here:-

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qsUkX_amy8H1KRsX6vKckBeo1oGQiqLgvLGuq4gXA3I/edit?ts=5ea88c4a

Updates (1)

2 MAY 2020 - by Barbara Muldoon, Organiser

Just to let people know; John has had his surgery in London. He and his family were forced to take out large loans (debt) so that the operation would be carried out! This fundraiser is aimed at alleviating that huge debt.

The surgery was long and difficult but it has gone well and John is now recovering. It will be a while before he is able to travel home. His sister and her husband live in England and he is recuperating with them.

John and his entire family have asked us to say that they want to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made a donation and shared the page. They say that they are moved and humbled to read all the comments that have been posted. In particular they are extremely grateful to the past and present pupils and teachers of St Louise's. It is so clear that you are rallying around "Mr Price". Your support and kindness is lifting everybody during this difficult time.