Friends of a Dorset father diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable cancer are preparing to take on a series of demanding challenges to raise funds and help his family create lasting memories together.
Josh, 39, was diagnosed last year with stage 4 colorectal cancer, a rare and fast-moving form of the disease that has spread to his liver, lymph nodes and peritoneum. Those close to him say the diagnosis came as a devastating shock, turning everyday life upside down in a matter of days.
Soon after learning he was ill, Josh required emergency surgery following a near-complete blockage of his bowel, which resulted in him having a stoma fitted. Despite the operation, doctors confirmed that the cancer itself is inoperable and incurable.
Since May, Josh has undergone months of palliative chemotherapy, bravely enduring treatment in the hope of slowing the disease and gaining more time with his family. However, by October, tumour markers began to rise again, and by Christmas it became clear that the chemotherapy was no longer effective.
Josh has now begun a new combination of treatments, Lonsurf and Avastin, which his family and friends hope will help slow the cancer and potentially give him the opportunity to access a clinical trial.
A devoted husband and father, Josh shares a nine-year-old son with his wife, Lindsay, and is also a stepfather to her 16-year-old son. Friends say his determination to keep fighting is driven by his love for his family and his wish to spend as much time as possible with them.
The illness has placed a significant emotional and financial strain on the family. Josh is currently unable to work, while Lindsay is caring for him and their children while trying to maintain a sense of normal life at home.
In response, friends have organised fundraising efforts to help ease the financial pressure and to give the family the chance to fulfil some of their bucket-list wishes, creating moments of joy and comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
As part of the fundraising campaign, supporters are preparing to take on a series of physically and mentally demanding challenges designed to push them to their limits.
The local community has already begun to rally around the family. Only last Saturday, AIR107.2, in collaboration with WFC, donated tickets for Josh and his family to attend and enjoy a home game, giving them a special day together during a challenging time.
One friend said: “Josh fights every single day with incredible strength. We wanted to do something that shows our support and helps give him and his family more time and more memories together.”
People wishing to donate or find out more can visit the fundraising page at: https://gofund.me/f8bd054a5
