In Feb 2017, my husband Simon was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma. which is the deadliest type of brain tumour. Prior to his diagnosis we were just a normal happy family, enjoying life and spending time with our 3 year old son, Archie who we both adore. I am sharing our story with you because we can't afford the treatment Simon needs and we desperately need your help to raise £24,000 which will enable Simon to have three rounds of Immunotherapy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for anything you can donate, no matter how small.

Our story began in October 2016 when Simon started having headaches, sometimes they were so painful that he would wake up in the middle of the night clutching his head, but seeing as they had usually gone by the morning, he just carried on as usual and we thought he was ok. At that time he was an account manager for a high profile bakery company, so despite feeling unwell he just carried on with his busy job and put the headaches down to being a bit stressed and tired. He did eventually go to the doctors at my insistence, but was told just to keep taking regular pain killers and that things would hopefully improve. By the time it was Christmas I had started to notice that Simon wasn't quite himself. He seemed tired and forgetful and it was when he was trying to fasten Archie's car seat that I knew that something was wrong. It was something that he had done thousands of times before but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't remember what to do.

As soon as the holidays were over, I made an appointment to see the doctor, with Simon, and she immediately referred us for a scan. I can still remember the moment when I knew for certain that something wasn't right. Simon had been in for his scan but instead of leaving afterwards like everyone else, we were told to remain in the waiting room. An hour passed and the radiographer that had done the scan went over to the receptionist and told her to lock the door for the evening but asked if she would mind staying on for a bit longer. We waited for about another half an hour and finally the radiographer came out again and said I am so sorry, I can't tell you anything but you need to contact your GP first thing in the morning. It was horrible, we knew something was desperately wrong but didn't know what.

After a very fretful night, we phoned the GP, and that was when she told us the devastating news, that Simon had an extremely large tumour in his head, and that he needed an urgent biopsy, to find out whether it was malignant or not. Fast forward to one month later, and the moment all of our lives changed forever. Simon had a Grade IV Glioblastoma, it was inoperable, and there is no cure.

Despite this diagnosis, and an initial prognosis of just 12 to 14 months, Simon has fought his illness and we are now three years into his battle with cancer. He has had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and he now has an opportunity to have some immunotherapy, which the doctors say is the last chance at keeping him alive. The treatment is only available privately and sadly after 3 years of Simon not being able to work, we do not have the funds to pay for his treatment.

The treatment costs £8000 a round and we are asking for the chance to get three rounds for Simon in the hope that we will be able to receive some funding in the future if we can prove it works. He is young, fit and healthy with the exception of the tumour and we believe that he has a fighting chance of responding well to the treatment.

Everyone that meets Simon loves him, and he is a kind a loving husband and father to our little boy Archie. I never imagined that I would ever be in the position having to beg complete strangers for some help, but I cannot imagine life without my wonderful husband and I want to do everything in my power to help him to live. Please help us to get Simon the treatment he deserves and donate whatever you can.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Rachel Simon and Archie xx