Dad’s cancer bombshell after liver disease fight
MAN’S FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO PAY FOR TRANSPLANT
A DAD from Halifax suffering from chronic liver disease has now been told he has cancer.
Chris Ansell, 35, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, nine years ago and was coping with the condition through medication. But then three years ago he was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a chronic liver disease that slowly damages the bile ducts.
Sadly, worse news was to come for the married father-of-one when he began feeling poorly six months ago and he started showing signs of jaundice, with yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Three weeks ago, Chris and his wife Jo were told that he would need a liver transplant due to the severity of the PSC. It was shocking news but then, on March 21, their worst fears were realised following further tests by doctors.
“We were told that I had cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile-duct cancer,” said Chris.
He needs a liver transplant to save his life but, because he has cancer, is not eligible for a transplant on the NHS, he says. He appealed the decision but was not successful.
Chris says the NHS is assisting his search for a possible transplant in Ireland
– but the cost will be £150,000.
He says he feels ‘let down’ by his lack of options on the NHS. Although his situation is complicated because his medical condition is so rare, he says he hasn’t been given a reason why he is not eligible for a transplant.
Chris says he hasn’t been told how long he might have left because “it depends on keeping the cancer at bay. We need to start the cancer treatment as quickly as possible.”
“As it stands within the UK there are no viable alternatives to save my life; just prolong it via treating cancer.
“However, there are private options outside of the UK where I could get the liver transplant needed to save my life.
“We are currently in discussions with consultants in Ireland and Switzerland; however, this treatment wouldn’t be covered via the NHS and would need to be paid for by myself.
“I’m 35 years old, have a beautiful wife and four-year-old daughter, haven’t abused my body via drugs or alcohol, and never smoked. I still have a whole life to live and more memories to make.”
Chris has now organised a fundraiser with Go Fund Me to pay for a private liver transplant and around 1,000 people have donated more than £72,000 in just 48 hours.
■ To donate visit: gofundme.com and search for ‘Chris Ansell’.