Ayr dad of three faces terminal cancer battle as fundraiser launches for life-extending treatment
- Ayrshire Daily News
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
An Ayr father of three has launched a fundraising appeal after being diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer at the age of 35.
John Robertson, who lives in Ayr with his wife Nicole and their three children, Jorja, 15, Paris-Cole, 8, and Clay-Ty, 4, shared his story on a GoFundMe page in the hope of raising money for private treatment and clinical trials.
John said he first began experiencing difficulty swallowing in February this year, with food regularly becoming stuck. Over the following months, he developed severe chest pain and lost weight before attending his GP, who arranged an urgent endoscopy.
He said doctors discovered a tumour covering around 75 per cent of the lower part of his oesophagus during the procedure. Following further tests, John said he was told on 24 June that he had stage four oesophageal adenocarcinoma, which had spread to multiple parts of his body, including his liver.
John said he was told he may have around nine months to live.
He explained that he is now living on an almost completely liquid diet because he can no longer swallow solid food, with doctors discussing the possibility of fitting a feeding tube.
The fundraiser aims to help cover the cost of passports, private medical treatments and clinical trials not currently available on the NHS, along with flights and accommodation if treatment abroad becomes possible. John said he is currently awaiting decisions on potential trials in Germany, London and Dublin.
Any remaining funds would also be used to ease financial pressures on his family, improve his quality of life and help create lasting memories with his wife and children.
In his appeal, John wrote: “I have all the reasons in the world to fight, and that is what has brought me here, to ask you to fight with me.”
He added: “I have never been a person to extend my hand and ask for help, but with my current situation I wholeheartedly appreciate any help that can be offered. If you are unable to donate, may I please ask you to share my story to get it far and wide as that helps massively.”
You can donate here:
