Family and friends are rallying behind one of their own, to help a young man in his greatest health battle yet.
Shane Fritchley, 35, of Bangor, has stage 4 secondary liver cancer. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer on his birthday in May 2018. He had chemotherapy but unfortunately it did not significantly shrink the tumours. Due to the large size of some of the tumours at 12 centimetres, surgery has not been an option.
"I have a very active lifestyle, eat well, and generally look after myself pretty well," he said.
"I started having small symptoms, which at first didn't know were symptoms, just random things that being a young healthy male, I just brushed off. Then I found myself needing to go to the toilet more often. It wasn't until I saw blood in my stool a few consistent occasions that I felt I should really get this checked out.
"The hardest thing was watching my parents, then my brother and sister, deal with the news.
"Two little things that really drive me to fight harder, stay strong and finding a way to get me through this are my two nephews Osric and Shacklock. Spending time with them raises my spirit to fight, so I can see them grow up, and continue to be the cool uncle."
He has launched a GoFundMe page ro raise money for his treatment. The hope is that overseas alternative treatment, while expensive, could be the only remaining option.
More than $100,000 was raised in one day. More than $121,000 has been raised so far.
"I am overwhelmed at the response to my fundraiser in just a matter of days and so appreciative of all the support from the people in my life, and even from some people I have never met," Mr Fritchley said.
"It brought me to tears instantly. I want to get me better and beat this thing, and overseas treatment is the only way I can do that now.
"If it buys me more time and puts me in the direction for a cure myself and my family will be forever grateful. Whatever the amount I raise, any funds left over will go directly back into bowel cancer research."
There is also a fundraiser being held at midday on September 8 at Miranda Hotel. Tickets are $60. The aim is to raise a further $15,000 towards treatment.
Organisers are seeking donations including raffle prizes, holiday rentals and auction prizes.
Details: Alicia Pusell on 0451622231 or Ben Counsel on 0428 203 773.