'We now desperately need help' - Hope for Wellingborough dad with devastating cancer diagnosis but more funds are needed for it
A Wellingborough dad diagnosed with advanced tonsil cancer has been given hope by the medics treating him, but his family needs to find the funds to cover the cost.
Paul King, 48, who worked in security at the Swansgate Shopping Centre for many years, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January.
He has been travelling to Germany for treatment which appears to be helping ‘control’ the cancer and could mean he can have other treatments which haven’t been explored yet.
Paul’s wife Melissa said: “When Paul received his devastating prognosis in January and no further treatment was offered to him here at that time, we sought another medical opinion and pursued TACE treatment with Professor Vogl in Frankfurt.
“That time has meant everything to us.
"Paul has been here to celebrate both of his younger sons’ birthdays, his own birthday, my birthday and the anniversary of the day we first got together.
"These are treasured moments and memories that our family will carry forever. More time with someone you love is never ‘just’ time.”
Paul’s TACE treatments have helped keep his disease comparatively stable, allowing him to reach this next stage and finally obtain another specialist opinion from Professor Kevin Harrington and his team at the Royal Marsden.
Initial discussions included whether Paul might be suitable for immunotherapy and possibly chemotherapy.
Melissa said: “Nothing has been officially confirmed or promised, but the Royal Marsden is continuing to assess whether immunotherapy could be an option for him.
"While those assessments were taking place, Professor Harrington advised us to proceed with Paul’s planned TACE treatment in Germany.
"We have now returned from Frankfurt following Paul’s 10th successful TACE procedure with Professor Vogl and we have received hopeful but time-sensitive news.
"Professor Vogl has booked Paul to undergo microwave ablation in just a few weeks’ time. The procedure will directly target and destroy a specific area of his tumour and will be the final planned step in Paul’s current treatment phase in Germany.
"Once the ablation has been completed, Professor Vogl has advised that Paul can take a much-needed treatment break, giving his body time to rest and recover while we continue exploring immunotherapy with the Royal Marsden.
"After everything Paul has endured, the prospect of him finally having a break while another possible treatment pathway is being explored here in the UK is wonderful news for our family.
"However, the microwave ablation alone will cost €4,200. We must also cover flights, accommodation, local transport and other essential expenses in Frankfurt.
"After ten treatments and repeated journeys to Germany, there is not enough remaining in Paul’s treatment fund and we have exhausted our own funds trying to keep his treatment going.”
The family is now once again calling on the people of Wellingborough and surrounding area to help them as they continue to fundraise for Paul’s treatment.
Melissa said: “When Paul was told in January that he might have only a couple of months left to live, we could never have imagined that he would still be here nearly nine months later.
"Our children still have their daddy, and every birthday, anniversary, hug and family moment we have shared has meant absolutely everything to us.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone in our local community who has donated, shared Paul’s story, attended our fundraising events or contributed prizes.
"Their love and support have helped us fund ten treatments costing tens of thousands of pounds and have carried our family further than we ever thought possible.
"We now desperately need help to get Paul back to Frankfurt for this final planned step.”
Paul’s family are considering holding another local fundraiser before their larger event in December and have already started collecting tombola prizes.
Melissa added: “We would be extremely grateful for donations of suitable prizes, vouchers, services or experiences from local people and businesses.
"Anyone wishing to arrange a small fundraiser for Paul also has our full blessing and heartfelt thanks.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the family’s fundraising page here.