The hidden costs of cancer

Next week, my little brother Rich is heading into the Conquest Hospital in Hastings for his 50th chemotherapy session. That's fifty.

If you've been following his blog The Next Corner, you'll already have a sense of the gruelling last few years that Rich, and his wife Bekky, have been through. Suffice to say, it takes its toll in so many differing ways.

Throughout the journey so far there's been an overwhelming outpouring of admiration, love and sympathy from so many people.

We've noticed how many people have asked: 'what can I do to help?'

Nothing can soften the stark realities of incurable cancer, especially when things take the kind of turn described by Bekky in a recent latest blog. However, there are plenty of expensive practicalities that add an extra burden just when they're least needed.

Rich and Bekky have already received generous support from family and friends - but there remains a grinding daily financial reality of hidden costs that I hope a fund to assist them might ease.

Whilst their earning ability is reduced, it will allow for them to stay overnight nearer to his many treatments, take germ-free private transport to appointments and cover the costs of specialist meetings where insurance falls short.

It will ensure Bekky can take less stressful time away from her freelance work to be with him over the coming months. It will even help with mundane things like extra heating costs. We're also hoping it might allow them an occasional treat to escape cabin fever.

Donating money can feel like a rather unemotional response to a situation like Rich's. However, we know how much it can alleviate the stresses that lie ahead, and how greatly they would appreciate it.

Many thanks in advance,

Phil x

PS. The GoFundMe insists that you name a 'target' - we've had to pick one but are not aiming for a specific number. Whatever you could contribute would be amazing.