Community rallies to raise thousands for East Lothian dad-of-three after terminal cancer diagnosis
The family of an East Lothian teacher and firefighter who has ‘made a difference to many lives’ say they have been overwhelmed by the community’s support after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Father-of-three James McPherson, from North Berwick, was diagnosed with glioblastoma - an aggressive and incurable brain tumour - earlier this month after he went to see a doctor about his symptoms.
His only daughter Jaime, 25, said: “It was two weeks ago on Tuesday that he got his diagnosis at the hospital. He had been feeling unwell, stumbling, confused and having blackouts.
“It got worse but he was turned away from his GP, so we took him to a private GP and he went to hospital right away. He was told he had a tumour in his brain, and he had to stay in hospital for three days waiting for MRI and CT scan results.
“It was horrible. Everyone hears ‘tumour’ and fears the worst, and unfortunately it is the worst. It doesn’t have a great life expectancy, 12 to 15 months from diagnosis, and is not curable.”
Since the diagnosis, the local community has rallied around 46-year-old James and his family. A parent of one of the children James teaches set up a fundraiser on Sunday which in just three days has raised an incredible £22,000 for the Law Primary School teacher and community firefighter.
Jaime, who has taken over the running of the fundraiser, said the family had been blown away by the response.
“We are overwhelmed by the support. My dad has done so much for the community over the years, as a firefighter and teacher, and he has done endless charity things,” she said.
“The fundraiser has gone everywhere, and so fast. We raised £17,000 in the first 24 hours, which is really nice, as we don’t feel alone and we know people are supporting us as a family during such a difficult time.
“As well as people donating we are also receiving calls from people asking how they can help in any other way. We are so thankful for the support, it has been incredible.
“We knew dad was very well known and loved but we have still been surprised by the community response, it’s been overwhelming and really lovely.
“Dad has clearly had an impact on the community, hearing all the stories from people about the difference he has made to their lives, it’s really nice. Whatever happens it’s a hell of a legacy to have.”
The family is actively seeking specialist treatments that are not yet widely available in the UK. These options are complex and costly, but they also offer the only chance to extend James’s life.
Funds raised will go directly toward medical expenses — consultations, treatments, travel, and associated care — giving James the chance to pursue every possible option without delay.
Jaime said: “Unfortunately, waiting for NHS pathways would take far too long. Urgent intervention is needed now, and the only viable route is private care.
“The costs are overwhelming. Optune therapy is one of the most advanced treatment options currently available for glioblastoma and has been shown to extend survival for some patients.
“Unfortunately, it is not available through the NHS. Accessing Optune privately costs between £15,000 and £20,000 per month.
“We are therefore aiming to raise an average of £17,000 per month to give dad the opportunity to begin and continue this treatment post surgery and radiotherapy.
“Our target is £34,000, although the GoFundMe page has set the target slightly lower at £24,000. That target would pay for two months of treatment, so that’s what we are aiming for, to get us started.”
You can donate to the online fundraiser for James McPherson here.