Terminal cancer patient “overwhelmed” by community support for emergency fundraising campaign

The wife of a terminally-ill cancer patient has expressed her gratitude for the emergency funds being raised for their family.

Daniel Weston, 46, from Borehamwood, was diagnosed with bowel cancer three and a half years ago. The disease spread to his liver, lymph nodes, pelvis, neck and lung; a recent scan revealed necrosis of the bowel, giving Daniel very little time left to live.

A crowdfunding campaign was set up by close family friend Ronit Raman, with an initial target of £18,000 to support wife Hayley, 47,  daughter Leia, aged six, and eight-year-old son Raphael, when Daniel passes away.

Raman wrote: “As this has come as a sudden shock to Hayley and Dan. I would like to raise money for them to support them after he passes and to give Dan the reassurance that he can go knowing that for the period after he passes away, Hayley won’t have to worry about money.”

Following a story reported by Jewish News, the number of donors soared from 280 to just under 400. The target, now adjusted to £50k, is now 40% complete, with just over £20k raised.

In a message posted on the crowdfunding page, the family wrote:

“From Hayley – Dan and I are overwhelmed with the incredible love and support everyone has shown, from the bottom of our hearts we thank each and everyone of you for your kindness and generosity. Lots of love Hayley, Dan, Raphael and Leia xxx”

In what Hayley describes as “a cruel twist of fate”, she and her twin brother Damian lost their own mother in 1983, when she was 34 and they were just seven years old. Their parents had been married for a decade, the same number of years since Hayley and Daniel married at Micklefield Hall in Hertfordshire.

With Daniel now at home, Damian admits it’s been incredibly traumatic for the entire family: “He’s there, he’s conscious, spending time with Hayley and the kids. But as with all these things, he is deteriorating and it’s only a matter of time. He’s sat there at home on his couch, and we’re having conversations as if he could live forever but we all know the reality of what is coming and are just trying to support my sister and her kids.”

To support the Weston family, click here.