Man battling stage four cancer ‘forever grateful’ for Colchester pub fundraiser – Daily Gazette

Sam Gilbert, 42, from Great Baddow, is husband to Gemma, 41, and dad to Leo, 12, and Amber, nine.

He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April, which had spread to his liver, chest and abdomen.

Solved – Sam Gilbert (Image: Sam Gilbert) He is currently under the care of St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, and is set to undergo his tenth round of chemotherapy as he explores his options with medical experts.

His condition is incurable but managed with the right medications.

Sam has set up a GofundMe page to help pay for a drug called Avastin, which is not available on the NHS and costs around £5,000 a month, and other costs associated with his treatment.

Sam grew up with childhood friends Alexa Keightley, 42, and her brother James Keightley, 44, who now own the Fat Cat pub in Butte Road, Colchester.

Pub – The Fat Cat (Image: Public domain) The trio went to Ingrave Johnstone Primary School in Brentwood.

Although Sam dropped out of school when he was nine and the friends don’t live close to each other, Sam and Alexa reconnected years later through social media.

To support Sam and raise funds for his battle with cancer, the Fat Cat pub is hosting a fundraiser on November 23rd.

There will be live music, a raffle and more, with all money raised on the night going towards Sam’s medical bills.

Sam said: “It’s been overwhelming all the support I’ve received.

“I am eternally grateful to anyone who has done something for me.

Event – The Fundraising Poster (Image: Public domain) “Alexa and James are from my childhood. Brings back good memories – their whole family was great.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to attend if my chemotherapy regimen allows.

“It gave me something to look forward to, not just hospital trips.

“It lifted my spirits. It’s great to see musicians take the time to help me.”

Alexa can fondly remember Sam from elementary school, with his blond hair and blue eyes, claiming to be the “girl crush in class.”

The owners of Fat Cat – James and Alexa Keightley (Image: Public domain) Sam played soccer with James in the school team and for the German Danes youth soccer team.

Alexa said: “To be able to raise money for Sam means so much, maybe because the memories of growing up were about the village, school and looking after each other, family and friends.

“Sam’s diagnosis is shocking, especially at the age of 42.

“He is a young man who lives a healthy, active and successful life. He is a family and creative person.

“My brother and I have a pub here and we want to do this for our friend.

“It fills me with absolute joy that friends in both Colchester and Kent can come together with their talents to play music that will include hits from the eighties and nineties, the backdrop of our youth.

“GoFundMe has given us the ability to help each other, no matter how near or far.”

To donate to the Fat Cat fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/sam-gilberts-medical-fundraiser.