Pope family support fund

John and Emma have been together for over 18 years. They have 5 kids together - Josh (16), Emilie (14), Ben (12), Isabelle (8) and Sam (7).
In September 2017 they took a huge leap into the unknown and emigrated to Australia to give their kids better opportunities and lifestyle.  

Emma returned to the UK on her own in February due to her grandfather passing away and she used the last of her holiday allowance which she had currently accrued. 

Not long after returning to Australia it became very clear that something wasn’t right with John. He was shuffling when walking, losing the ability to recall words and had lost weight. Off to the doctors they went. 

On the 21st February, Emma and John received the devastating news that John had a tumour the size of a small orange on his Temporal/Pareital side of the brain which explained the symptoms. 

The formal diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) stage 4 was given. This is an aggressive cancer which currently cannot be cured only treated to give the patient more time. 

John went into hospital a day after the CT scan and was immediately put on steroids to reduce the swelling and pressure on his brain and he had a 6 hour operation a week later. 

John is is now halfway through a cycle of radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined (3 weeks). He’s very tired and is losing his hair.

The next step is a month off all treatment and then he will begin a course of chemo which will last approx 6 months. 

The future is far from clear but we can make it a little easier for them.

Due to their visa status the family are unable to access any Centrelink (welfare/tax credits/sick benefits) payments. John is unable to work and the family are paying for Johns many medications and the usual family expenses, all on one wage. 

They are trying to make memories together but financially this is difficult. 
Please spare a few pounds or dollars to give this hardworking family some support. 

Thanks

Emma created this page as none of the friends who suggested it knew how!