The family of an Ayr father-of-three has raised £4,679.77 to contribute towards private cancer treatment after doctors at Crosshouse Hospital offered only palliative care following a diagnosis of advanced disease.
Race against time for further treatment
John Robertson, aged 35, was diagnosed in June with stage four oesophageal adenocarcinoma that has spread to multiple parts of his body, including his liver. An endoscopy revealed a bleed and a large tumour that is reported to be covering 75% of his oesophagus. Clinicians initially gave him a prognosis of around nine months.
Mr Robertson is undergoing a course of aggressive chemotherapy consisting of six cycles. A recent scan marks the halfway point of that regimen and will be used to assess whether the cancer has responded to treatment.
Fundraising and treatment options
Last month the family organised a fundraiser at the Carrick Centre in Maybole to generate money to pursue every treatment option and clinical trial they can access. The event raised £4,679.77, and two Ayrshire businesses have since offered support to boost further fundraising efforts.
The family say they are pushing for NHS Ayrshire and Arran to transfer Mr Robertson’s care to a London centre after the six cycles of chemotherapy, where surgery that may be required can reportedly be offered. They are also exploring a treatment plan in Germany, but that option has been quoted at over €91,000, a sum the family do not currently have.
"John only got out of hospital 20 minutes before it started and we are still in awe at people's support and kindness. This brings John closer to reaching his goal for private treatment," said his wife, Nicole.
Nicole told the Advertiser the family are trying to secure a transfer to London and are seeking a Scottish surgeon to agree with a London professor to allow the move. She said that, to date, Scotland has not taken the same approach as the London team.
Local response and next steps
The fundraising event at the Carrick Centre brought together community support from across the area. The family have signalled they remain committed to keeping all options open while continuing with the chemotherapy plan in Scotland.
- Funds raised: £4,679.77
- Diagnosis: Stage four oesophageal adenocarcinoma
- Age: 35
- Chemotherapy: Six cycles (halfway point recently scanned)
- Alternative treatment cost (Germany): over €91,000
Two Ayrshire businesses — MKM Kilmarnock and an Unlimit outlet based in Mauchline — have been named as stepping up to support the fundraising drive, although details of their contributions have not been published.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amount raised | £4,679.77 |
| Diagnosis | Stage four oesophageal adenocarcinoma |
| Age of patient | 35 |
| Chemotherapy plan | Six cycles (midpoint scan complete) |
| German treatment cost | €91,000+ |
Those close to the family say their priority is to secure the surgical options reported to be available in London and to keep the German treatment path available while they continue to seek funding.
The situation underlines the difficult choices faced by patients and families when standard NHS pathways and private options diverge. For this Ayr family, community fundraising and local business support are central to their efforts to access further treatment and possible surgery that local clinicians have not initially offered.
The family continue to appeal to the public and remain hopeful that further donations and professional agreement between Scottish and London teams can secure the next stage of Mr Robertson’s care.
