Wellingborough community rallies round to help give dad-of-three Paul more time after devastating cancer diagnosis
A Wellingborough family has been overwhelmed by the support from the town for one of the ‘kindest, most gentle people you could ever meet.’
Paul King will be recognised by many after working in security at the Swansgate Shopping Centre for many years.
But his world was completely turned upside down when he was diagnosed with cancer last year.
His family are now raising funds for specialist treatment in Germany that could help slow the progression of Paul’s cancer and improve his comfort and quality of life.
The support they have received from family, friends, businesses and even strangers has been phenomenal and it means the world to Paul and his wife Melissa.
Writing in her own words, Melissa told the Northants Telegraph: “My husband Paul King is 47-years-old, a devoted father to our three boys aged 22, six and two, and a very familiar face locally through his years working in security at Swansgate Shopping Centre, where he worked for over 17 years.
"Quite honestly, he is one of the kindest, most gentle people you could ever meet.
"Late last year our world was turned upside down when Paul was diagnosed with advanced tonsil (throat) cancer.
"He underwent intensive radiotherapy, which was the only treatment option offered at the time.
"We were told he wasn’t suitable for chemotherapy due to a heart condition that he has.
"Sadly, since treatment his condition has continued to worsen and the disease has progressed.
"The prognosis remains serious, which has been incredibly difficult for us all to come to terms with.
"We’ve been told there is nothing more the NHS can offer, only palliative care.
"But we are not giving up.”
‘Paul remains unbelievably strong and focused on our family’
Paul now struggles daily with severe trismus (lockjaw), swelling to his face and neck, extreme fatigue and difficulty speaking.
He is currently fed through a tube because eating normally has become too painful and difficult.
Melissa said: “Watching someone you love lose basic things like speech, comfort and independence is heart-breaking, yet Paul remains unbelievably strong and focused on our family.
"We have young children at home, including our six-year-old son who has severe autism and is non-verbal.
"Paul is his safe place, his comfort and his absolute hero.
"Their bond is incredibly special, and seeing how much our little boy needs his dad makes this journey even more emotional for us as a family.
"Paul is determined to keep fighting for as much time and quality of life with his children as possible.”
‘A beautiful moment of love and celebration’
The people of Wellingborough have rallied round in the most difficult of times for the King family, including helping them organise a wedding in just six days.
Melissa said: “Recently, with the support of local businesses and friends, we managed to organise a very small, last-minute wedding in just six days so Paul and I could finally marry after 23 years together.
"The generosity shown was overwhelming.
"Silk Wellingborough kindly provided the venue free of charge, Disco Henry not only DJd for the evening but also took photographs at no cost and Millenniums generously provided pizzas for our guests throughout the night.
"It gave us a beautiful moment of love and celebration during an otherwise very heavy time.”
‘The community spirit has been truly overwhelming’
And the support has continued to flood in for the family.
Melissa said: "Since then, the Wellingborough community has rallied around us in the most humbling way.
"Swansgate Shopping Centre have been incredibly supportive — posters for Paul’s GoFundMe campaign are displayed throughout the centre and there is now even a van parked outside Clintons Cards displaying a banner with Paul’s fundraising details.
"We would particularly like to thank the wonderful staff across Swansgate Shopping Centre, including F Hinds, Profile, Max Spielmann and the Swansgate Centre management team for their kindness.
"We are also so grateful to Millenniums and Wellingborough Kebab Shop for their generous donations, as well as all the shops locally and beyond who have allowed us to place posters and flyers.
"The community spirit has been truly overwhelming.
"Friends, family and even complete strangers have organised raffles, donated prizes, shared our story and offered encouragement.”
‘We are fighting for time, for memories and for our family’
The people of Wellingborough have already helped raise thousands of pounds for Paul, but there is still time to show your support.
Melissa said: "Our GoFundMe campaign has now raised over £13,000 and we are honestly blown away by the compassion people have shown.
"We are now hoping to raise funds for specialist treatments in Germany that could help slow the progression of Paul’s cancer and improve his comfort and quality of life.
"We know there are no guarantees and we are realistic about that, but it represents hope — hope for more time together, more memories with our children and more moments where Paul can simply feel like himself again.
"Right now, every extra day with him feels incredibly precious and we are determined to explore every possible option while we still can.
"What this journey has shown us more than anything is the incredible kindness of our community.
"From life-long friends to complete strangers, people have stepped forward with generosity, compassion and love that we will never forget.
"We are fighting for time, for memories and for our family — and knowing we’re not alone in that fight means more than words can express.
"Paul has recently been discharged from hospital after treatment for swelling and infection.
"He remains positive, grateful and determined, even on the hardest days.
"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us so far — and thank you again for helping share Paul’s story.”
Anyone who would like to donate can do so via the GoFundMe page here.