A 26-year-old man has thanked people for their generosity after a fundraiser to pay for life-saving cancer treatment has raised more than £17,000.
Elliott Simpson, of Green Park Close, Blackburn, says he has been denied the life-saving treatment he was entitled to 18 months ago because of NHS red tape so has had to turn to the generous community for help.
He was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma at the end of 2020 and on the back of this he also has a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
He says has been barred from receiving the second set of drugs he needs to combat its spread by "rigid rules" governing their use.
After finding out he would have to pay £120,000 for his treatment, the family were trying to think of ways to make the money, with his parents even considering selling their house.
They decided to set up a GoFundMe page which has raised nearly £17,500 (at the time of writing) in just one month.
Elliott said: “I really appreciate all the support, everybody’s kindness and donations but due to the high amount we need to raise we still have a long way to go and I need this treatment as soon as possible.
READ MORE: 'Perverse' NHS rules deny 26-year-old life-saving cancer treatment
“Although the funding is slowly increasing, we are looking for local businesses to help and get involved.“
Many people have come forward to help Elliott including Labour MP Kate Hollern who has written to the health secretary, Sajid Javid.
Elliott added: “It is very infuriating because the NHS cost of the treatment is £60,000 and we have to raise over double that.
“My parents should never have to consider selling their house.
“We have had a response from Kate, she has written to the health secretary and the shadow health secretary but we are still awaiting a response from them.
“Kate is also organising different ways to raise funds and helping us spread my story.”
Despite all his difficulties over the past two years, Elliott has gone on to complete a computing degree in London and will be graduating next month with first-class honours.
If you would like to help, you can visit the family's GoFundMe page here.
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