Ross smiles from a hospital bed. It is a photograph of someone going through treatment, but also of someone who still has a life to live beyond it.
Before his diagnosis, he was making summer plans, exercising and spending time with family and friends. He followed a vegan diet and had stopped drinking alcohol. Then a lump in his neck led to investigations that changed everything: stage 4 bowel cancer, diagnosed at 43.
The future can become frighteningly fragile.
The cancer had spread to other parts of his body. Ross and his husband, Matt, suddenly had to make room for hospitals and treatment in a life they had been planning together.
A diagnosis reaches into ordinary things: what you can plan, what you can put off, what you hope to do next. It gives a different weight to the word tomorrow. Think of someone you love, and all the small moments you still want with them.
Even reaching treatment took an enormous effort.
Matt's account describes surgery, dangerous liver problems, infections and weeks in hospital. After further procedures, Ross was able to begin chemotherapy. Testing also identified the BRAF V600E mutation, opening a discussion about targeted medication alongside it.
That is where the story becomes a practical appeal. A treatment option needs more than determination: it needs the means to keep accessing care. Asking for help can be part of doing everything possible to keep going.
The cost became another burden to carry.
Ross told the newspaper he had considered remortgaging their home, continuing to work and asking his parents for help from their retirement savings. These were the choices he was weighing while facing cancer.
In their own fundraiser, Ross and Matt describe additional private treatment costing up to £9,000 a month. Their updated appeal explains that support helps sustain medication and care over the months ahead. Ross has reduced his working hours; Matt continues working full time.
What continued support is meant to make possible
Ross and Matt identify these needs in their own appeal:
Continuity of treatment
Targeted medication alongside chemotherapy, with funding to keep this option available.
Support through side effects
Supportive therapies, nutrition and practical care during treatment.
Room for further options
Additional care if Ross's condition and his medical team make it possible.
Total campaign goal$140,000
The cost quoted above is the family's estimate in GBP. Further treatment options depend on Ross's condition and his medical team.
No one has to meet the whole need alone.
One contribution cannot answer every uncertainty. It can still be part of a shared response to a specific need. Giving is a way to put care into action, at a scale that is right for you.
Choose an amount you can comfortably give. If you cannot contribute, sharing this story is another way to help it reach people who can. There is room for many people to take a small part in this effort.
Stand with Ross
Help Ross continue his treatment.
Stand beside Ross and Matt as they work toward the next stage of care.
Contribute to Ross's treatment fundChoose a one-time donation amount on the next page.
