I am challenging myself to abseil 100 meters down the side of the Spinnaker Tower (photo above credit to owner) in Portsmouth, one of the South’s most iconic landmarks, on the 12th of September 2021, to raise funds that will help my dear friend Gilbert (pictured on the left) get the treatment he needs for end-stage renal disease.

Gilbert and I are both originally from the Philippines, but we met in Kuwait in 2006 as Overseas Foreign Workers. His support helped me overcome the challenges I faced working abroad, away from family for the first time. I call him Tatay (Father in Tagalog) as he has looked after me like I am one of his own (he’s got 3 beautiful children).

I left Kuwait in 2009, Gilbert changed jobs and worked in the UK Embassy in Kuwait. I remember how excited we were as I was planning to study in the UK and the possibility of us meeting in the UK.

In October 2013, Gilbert was diagnosed with Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis and after further tests he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. In 2014 with a heavy heart, he had to return to the Philippines, without a job.

In the last 8 years he has battled this disease. He has had to cope with little support from government institutions, instead, using his life savings to fund his dialysis treatments. His friends and family have helped where possible, and Gilbert has worked odd jobs even when seriously ill. His determination to beat this and live as close to a normal life as possible is something I truly admire.

Talking to him I found out that there were times he'd missed dialysis sessions as he just didn't have the money. With no support to access treatment he can deteriorate quickly.

Recently, Gilbert had an aneurysm due to an infected fistula. Fistulas are often surgically created for use in dialysis in people with severe kidney disease. This needs to be replaced ASAP as if this is left untreated this can lead to serious complications.

Gilbert’s daughter Gillagne, is just 19 yrs of age but is wonderfully donating her kidney to help her father. Unfortunately due to the pandemic and financial struggle this has now been moved to March 2022.

Here in the UK, we are fortunate that we have access to NHS, it’s not the case for Gilbert. He has had to fund or find the money for all his treatment so far as well as all that is to come.

I am not normally one to ask for help, but as a friend, I can’t sit here any longer and watch Gilbert waste away further. I’d like to help Gilbert have the best chance of beating this terrible disease.

My target is to raise £1200. £170 to replace his fistula, £500 towards his dialysis in the next 6 months until his scheduled kidney transplant. £80 for some laboratory tests, £350 for transport, food and bills, he lives with his elderly parents and still needs to provide for his family. With £100 covering the cost of the abseil itself.

In return for your kindness and generosity, I am taking on the Spinnaker tower. Not an easy challenge but one that is tiny in comparison to what Gilbert has so amazingly dealt with.

P.S.

As we have friends and families back home who'd like to help in this cause, we're also accepting donations through my brother's Alfredo Tomelden Jr GCash: 09177066047. I will update you on how much I have collected here in the UK and in the Philippines. Thank you