Hi everyone,

This is a story we never thought we’d have to tell, and a request we never dreamed we’d have to make - but we’ve realised we cannot do this alone.

Please read our journey below and join us in this fight. We need you all.

Here we go

In April 2025, Rich and I had been together just over 10 years when he proposed in our favourite place, Tennessee. We immediately started to plan our dream wedding for October 2026. We were on top of the world - the happiest we’ve ever been, with our whole lives ahead of us.

But life was about to deal us the cruellest of blows. On the last day of our trip, out of the blue, Rich had a few “funny turns”, lasting a few minutes each time. We couldn’t work out what was going on, but it wasn’t normal for him and it raised immediate alarm bells.

We had barely returned home when the symptoms escalated, marking the start of what would become an impossible journey. We were initially told it was just crystals in his ear by his NHS GP, but we couldn't ignore the feeling that it was something much more serious. We acted on our intuition and sought private help - a decision I am grateful for every day, as it changed everything.

The diagnosis

An MRI revealed that Rich had a brain tumour, and the "funny turns" were, in fact, seizures. While we waited for tests to see if he was even operable, his symptoms worsened until he was experiencing over 30 seizures a day. It was a distressing time, not only for Rich, but for everyone who loves him so much.

Rich underwent brain surgery in London, but the biopsy results brought the news no one can prepare for. Our hearts were broken: Rich was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma (GBM). It is the most aggressive type of brain cancer.

Writing that diagnosis down fills me with a fear and pain I can’t begin to put into words. When you are told at 32 that you have incurable brain cancer - the very worst kind - you and the people closest to you simply cannot comprehend it.

Since then, Rich has faced this diagnosis with incredible courage. He underwent surgery which removed 95% of the tumour, completed radiotherapy, and is currently on maintenance chemotherapy. He continues to fight every single day with strength, humour, and determination - but we have now reached a critical point.

Unfortunately, Rich’s tumour is "unmethylated", which means it is traditionally chemo-resistant. He is undergoing gruelling cycles of chemotherapy every month that may not even be effective, while dealing with horrible side effects. This is currently our only option in the UK.

After endless hours of research and refusing to give up, we have been given the opportunity to pursue specialist treatment in Germany that could prolong Rich’s life and give us more precious time together.

The treatment is a personalised vaccine, created specifically for Rich from the tumour tissue removed during his surgery. These vaccines aim to trigger an immune response that trains the body to destroy cancer cells as they appear. This is the most promising treatment available and is as close to a cure as exists for GBM.

However, this treatment is not available in the UK and is not covered by insurance. We are facing overwhelming costs for the treatment itself, as well as travel and accommodation.

Asking for help is one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do. If you know us, you know we are a private couple. We have tried so hard to fight this on our own, but this is bigger than us.

Rich is not just another statistic. He’s a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend - and the love of my life. He’s the kind of person who would do anything for anyone and expects nothing in return. He deserves more than just a fighting chance; he deserves a future.

How you can help

• Donate: Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to this vital treatment.

• Share: If you are unable to donate, sharing our story means just as much.

• Fundraise: We are working on various events. If you have creative ideas or contacts to help our efforts, please reach out.

We know people will have questions, but please understand that Rich does not want this to define him. Supporting him also means treating him "normally". While we are consumed by this every second, it is hard to talk about it all the time.

This is for the person we love, the battle we didn’t ask for, and the hope we refuse to lose.

This is our only chance to keep fighting. For my Rich

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us during the hardest chapter of our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Nyisha, Rich & family xxx