David Hartley, 40, from Warton, Lancashire, has raised over £9,000 for The Christie alongside his wife Rochander, while undergoing his 11th cycle of chemotherapy and starting proton beam therapy. The fundraising campaign, "Donate with Dave," included a JustGiving page, a charity quiz and raffle night, and raised £4,005 from a single event at a local pub.
Diagnosis and referral to The Christie
Earlier this year at 39, David had been experiencing blood in his urine alongside severe kidney pain. After visiting the walk-in centre in Blackpool several times, he was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a large tumour on his kidney. The tumour was too complex for the hospital to treat, and David was referred to The Christie in Manchester.
After seeing Dr Ramani, David was initially told his kidney could potentially be removed, with immunotherapy at Preston Hospital planned to help shrink the tumour and a clot affecting his vena cava. Doctors later discovered the tumour was an Ewing-like sarcoma, a rare form of cancer more commonly associated with children and young adults. Because the tumour would not respond to immunotherapy, David was referred back to The Christie to be treated by its specialist sarcoma team.
Treatment and support from staff
His case is now overseen by Dr Lee and the sarcoma team, who he says have been "absolutely fantastic" from the beginning. He gives particular praise to Charlotte, who he says is always available to answer the many questions he and his family have. David is on his 11th cycle of chemotherapy and has just started his daily six weeks of proton beam therapy, a type of radiotherapy.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, David says the staff on the ward have become a hugely important part of his journey. "I genuinely can't thank the staff on the ward enough or explain how much and what a difference they make," he said. "They've been so fantastic. People are always smiling and ask you how you are, you get familiar with a lot of the people and they always stop for a chat."
Fundraising campaign and community support
The fundraising idea began when Rochander suggested taking part in "Raise a Cuppa for The Christie." That conversation developed into "Donate with Dave," with friends, family, local businesses and national companies donating prizes including two signed Manchester City shirts, a Flower Bowl voucher, a Chill Factore voucher and tickets for a day at Haydock Racecourse. The event featured a quiz, charity raffle and live music from one of David's friends.
David says he was overwhelmed by the support, particularly from people he did not know who donated after his story was shared on social media. "Even if it helps The Christie help just one person, like they have me, it will have been a success," he said. Rochander has been raising awareness by posting videos and photos of David's journey online.
Hopes for an Oasis ticket and looking ahead
Rochander joked that David's biggest concern was not getting his ticket code for Oasis. He said: "I keep checking my emails to see if I've got a code. Hopefully in the next few days! It was my 40th and I was going to have an Oasis themed party, but with being ill I wasn't able to. But, fingers crossed."
Living in Warton with Rochander and their dog, Bruce, David continues through chemotherapy, prepares for radiotherapy and looks towards possible surgery. "I can't put into words how grateful I am for everything they have done for me and my family," David said. "The support I've received from family, friends, The Christie and everyone who donates gives me strength and reminds me that I'm not facing this journey alone."
