Family thank people for getting seriously ill Dorchester man home for treatment (From Dorset Echo)

Family thank people for getting seriously ill Dorchester man home for treatment

10:00am Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Emma Walker

HAPPIER TIMES: Ian Davis in Mallorca

A family has thanked everyone who helped them get seriously-ill Ian Davis home for urgent treatment.

Mr Davis, 42, from Dorchester was shocked when doctors in Mallorca told him they had discovered a large tumour near his intestines.

He had three life-threatening operations on the Spanish island but wanted to return home to be with his family before he faced chemotherapy.

The brave cancer victim relied on the support of a local cancer support group on the island but had no family or friends nearby.

His family, who live locally, launched a local fundraising campaign online to collect funds to fly Ian home and pay for another family member to travel alongside him.

Since then, many of Ian’s friends from the county town have rallied together to boost the money to pay for his journey and help him with his future at home.

He is now receiving treatment in Dorchester County Hospital but unfortunately his condition has not yet improved.

His brother Colin said: “We managed to get Ian back to Dorset and he is now in Dorchester County Hospital.

“Transporting him happened fairly quickly once we got the last green light to go and it all went very smoothly.

“We would like to thank everyone who has raised money and supported Ian through this difficult time.

“Getting him back has been great for Ian and the family but he is still very sick.

He added: “His condition is not getting any better and we are all on edge and emotional about Ian’s future.”

Following urgent treatment in Mallorca doctors discovered the large tumour which was removed but caused several complications.

Speaking before his journey home, Ian said: “I had to undergo a five hour operation with a two per cent survival chance.

“It has left me unable to eat food permanently, I have to rely on a bag of nutrition that is pumped in every night or I will die.

“I just need to be around my family at a time like this.”

Ian moved Mallorca in 1991 and has lived on the island for the past 20 years.

How Crucial Fundraising Gathered 33,700

A TOTAL of £3,700 was raised from the local fundraising drive to get Ian Davis home to Dorchester for Christmas.

Money will also go towards helping with Ian’s future in the county town.

Chloe Moxom and Mandy Treviss organised a 12-hour darts marathon to raise £1,300 to help Ian, who they have known for years.

Ms Moxom said: “We are all behind Ian and wish him and his family the very best.

“Some relatives of Ian turned up at the event and we had around 30 people taking part.”

Brian Hogg, 39, and his mum Maggie held a car boot sale and added £50 to the cause.

Mr Hogg used to be next-door neighbours with Ian before he moved to Spain.

Trisha Turner, of Crossways, and a group of her friends are planning to do more fundraising.

“I have known Ian for years and he truly is a really decent and popular guy.”