A final fund-raising push is being made so a Wigan mum with brain cancer can get treatment abroad
A renewed rallying call has been made for help to get a Wigan mum to Germany for treatment for brain cancer after a last-minute price rise.
Relatives, friends and even strangers have been working hard to raise £20,000 so Crissi McMahon can travel abroad to get treatment not available on the NHS.
She has glioblastoma – one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer – and was given just 12 to 18 months to live when diagnosed in 2016.
Crissi has defied the odds by living with the grade four brain tumour, but a few months ago she was given the devastating news that it had grown, something that had initially been missed on a scan.
Her family set about raising money for a specialist dendritic cell immunotherapy treatment in Germany that they believe could offer Crissi the best chance of slowing the disease and extending her quality of life.
They had support from people in Wigan and in Guernsey, where Crissi and her husband Dave used to live, and hit their fund-raising target just a few days ago.
But when they went to book the trip to Germany, they discovered they would need more money than originally expected.
Richard Vahey, who is involved with fund-raising efforts in Guernsey, said: “They needed £20,000 and they got that, but when they went to book it, because it’s school holidays, the travel costs have gone up by about £4,000.
"The Guernsey people have done a lot and I wondered if people from Wigan could help.
"They are hoping to get to Germany on August 12. It needs to happen fairly quickly for the treatment to have the most effect.”
They are now pushing to raise the extra money needed in the coming days.
People are being asked to make a donation to the online fund-raiser or give a prize for a raffle or auction, such as vouchers, merchandise, tickets or other items.
There are also plans for a family fun day at St Aidan’s Club in Winstanley, with a football match, bouncy castles, stalls, singer, children’s entertainer and more. It starts at 1pm on Saturday, August 8.
To donate to Crissi’s treatment, go to www.gofundme.com/f/help-crissi-keep-fighting.