Donations needed for Swansgate fundraiser for Wellingborough dad-of-three fighting for more 'precious time' with his family

Family and friends have been rallying round to fund specialist treatment in Germany for Paul, 48, after he was diagnosed with advanced tonsil cancer.

It is hoped the treatment will help slow the progression of Paul’s cancer, but it’s been a tough time for the family after he was recently admitted to Northampton General Hospital after becoming unwell.

Paul’s wife Melissa King told the Northants Telegraph: "He had a CT scan of his neck while he was there and, thankfully, we were told that when compared with his previous scan from January, there had been no clear progression of his known tumour and no new growth.

"The doctors are still slightly concerned about some of the changes and symptoms in Paul’s neck and are continuing to look into these, so we know we are by no means out of the woods.

"But after everything Paul has been through, hearing that the scan had not shown obvious cancer progression was still a huge relief for us.”

Melissa said it was also reassuring because it seems to support the overall picture they have been receiving in Germany, where they have been told that Paul’s tumour has remained stable and has shown some reduction.

But the fight goes on and the family is set to continue with its fundraising this weekend to help give Paul, who used to work in security at the Swansgate Shopping Centre, more time with his wife and three boys.

Melissa said: “Considering it was back in January that we were told Paul’s cancer was incurable and that he may only have one or two months left, it is difficult to put into words what it means to us to be sitting here nearly eight months later, still fighting, still getting Paul to treatment, and now having a scan compared with January that has not shown obvious progression of his disease.

"Paul is still having a very difficult time physically and has been struggling with inflammation, swelling and other symptoms, so things are certainly not easy.

"But we are incredibly grateful for every bit of encouraging news we receive and, most importantly, for the extra time we have had together as a family.

"We are also continuing to explore every possible treatment option for Paul here in the UK.”

Paul has an appointment with the Royal Marsden in London this week where he will be seen by the head and neck oncology team.

Melissa said: “We don’t know yet whether there will be any further treatment they can offer him, but after everything that has happened over the last eight months, we feel we have to keep knocking on every door and exploring every possibility for him.

"At the same time, we are continuing to travel to Germany for Paul’s specialist treatment.

"Every trip costs us thousands of pounds once the treatment itself, flights, accommodation and other expenses are included, so unfortunately the fundraising has to continue if we are going to keep getting him there.”

The family’s next fundraiser will be held at the Swansgate Shopping Centre in Wellingborough on Saturday (September 5) from 10am until 2pm.

Melissa said: “The local community has been absolutely incredible to us so far and we genuinely could not have kept doing this without everyone’s support.

"We have already received lots of wonderful donations for this fundraiser, but we still need many more prizes to help us fill our stalls and make the day as successful as possible.

"We will once again have our tombola with lots of prizes and hampers to be won, as well as a family/kids tombola and henna.

"At the moment we are especially looking for donations of wine and spirits, toiletries and gift sets, chocolates and sweets, toys, candles, unopened gifts, hamper items and vouchers from local businesses.

“Even one donated bottle, gift set or box of chocolates makes a difference because it all adds up when we are trying to put together enough prizes for the day.”

Anyone wishing to donate can take items to the Swansgate Shopping Centre’s management office, where they can be kept safely for Paul’s fundraiser.

And Melissa added: “We would also absolutely love people to come along on the day, have some fun, win some prizes and support Paul.

"Every penny raised will go towards helping us continue his treatment in Germany and hopefully giving him more precious time with us.

"Paul is only 48 and is a dad to our three boys, aged 23, six and three, so for us this really is about doing everything we possibly can to keep him here with his family for as long as we can.”

Any donations for Saturday’s fundraiser can be taken to the Swansgate Centre management office.

The GoFundMe is also still ongoing if people wish to donate there – click here for the link.