Dad-to-be with cancer in Mexican mercy mission appeal

Mar 9 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Life-saving cancer pilgrimage for Rastrick dad-to-be Lee Barker

FOR 18 months Lee Barker suffered pain which went undiagnosed.

Then he was told he had stomach cancer and his life changed forever.

Now the dad-to-be is seeking life-prolonging treatment in Mexico in the hope that he can enjoy more time with his fiance Kelly Abbey and his baby daughter, due in April.

The former Rastrick High School pupil, now aged 29, is due to marry Kelly at the end of this month and is excited about becoming a dad. But while he is flying out to Mexico later this week for treatment, he and Kelly still have to raise £15,000 to fund it and are holding a series of fundraising events.

Lee said: “The centre in Mexico is offering me a greater chance. It’s obviously not a miracle cure, but it can boost my immune system and give me a better chance of fighting the cancer.

“It’s really important for me to be given this chance. I was ill long before I got the diagnosis and that was a critical time.

“I think Kelly being a nurse pushed me on to get a diagnosis because when you’re sat with a doctor who is telling you there is nothing wrong you accept it even though you feel there is something wrong.”

Lee will celebrate his 30th birthday on Friday while in Mexico.

Kelly, a mental health nurse, will remain at home as she is heavily pregnant.