A "popular" dad has been diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer after suddenly collapsing in a hotel.
Jeremy Atkin, 58, fell off a bar stool and hit his head on the floor in a Holiday Inn bar while enjoying a cup of tea. He had travelled from East Sussex to London with his two daughters and nephew to see Coldplay perform.
Emergency services rushed Jeremy, a builder, to hospital where scans found a massive tumour in his brain. Although it was removed, Jeremy has been rocked with the news that the cancer progressed to stage 4 cancer glioblastoma. It's feared he only has between 12 and 18 months left to live, despite vigorous treatment.
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His daughter Jade, 25, said: "It is scary because they've (doctors) said this tumour is the most aggressive type of tumour you can get. They've said it is the rarest cancer, but also the least funded in terms of treatment so it is unfortunate. What is really frustrating is that he is such a fit and healthy man. He has been fine and there have been no signs he was going to collapse like that."
Jeremy a massive LFC fan has suffered multiple clots in his lung since the diagnosis, which has weakened his body further and delayed his treatment. Jeremy was due to start his cancer treatment on NHS last week but was too weak to do so due to the clots. His oxygen levels were too low, and his treatment has been delayed and it'll potentially be altered significantly.
Jade said: "Importantly, this means his cancer treatment has been delayed. They've given him another week to see how his condition is because, if his oxygen levels don't improve, he will only be able to have three weeks of treatment. The doctors said that usually prolongs life by 12 to 18 months whereas we'd have to prepare for much less time if he gets three weeks of treatment."
The family is crowdfunding to secure Jeremy's private care at London Oncology Clinic in Harley Street, central London, which would extend Jeremy's life even after three weeks of treatment. To donate to the appeal, click here.
An East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust spokesperson said: “While we cannot discuss individual patient circumstances, we are sorry to hear that Mr Atkin and his family are not satisfied with his recent care. We will be contacting them directly to discuss their concerns.”
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