A Hackney dad-of-two living with late stages of bowel cancer is hopeful he will live long enough to walk his three-year-old down the aisle on her wedding day.
Security guard Siraje Sendijja was rushed to Homerton Hospital in August after he developed unexpected pains in his stomach that were so uncomfortable he couldn’t work.
The 47-year-old was told by doctors he had bowel cancer and quickly underwent emergency surgery to remove some of the cancer that had spread to other parts of his stomach.
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Now a year later, Siraje’s cancer has worsened and his family desperately need £20,000 to fund private medical treatment as the NHS has told him his body is failing to respond to chemotherapy.
Siraje’s stepson Patrick Kigozi told My London his stepdad’s only wish is to see his three-year-old daughter Sarah get married when she’s older.
Siraje would love to walk Sarah down the aisle on her wedding day
(Image: Patrick Kigozi)
Patrick, 26, said: ” The only thing he’s wanted is to walk his daughter down the aisle. Whenever we talk about all these other things he’s managed to accomplish, he says nothing comes close. He’s wanted a child for so long.
“He cherishes that girl like a diamond, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her.”
Sarah and Patrick’s mum Proscovia, 47, had endured countless IVF treatments for well over a decade until she suddenly fell pregnant with Sarah in 2018.
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She and Siraje were ecstatic to welcome daughter Sarah after trying for a baby for so long.
Siraje has just graduated from the University of East London with a degree in Global Politics and Economics. He also recently attained British citizenship, so having bowel cancer has been a devastating blow for the family.
NHS nurse Proscovia has been taking time off work to help look after her husband, who receives most of his treatment at home.
Siraje and his wife Proscovia
(Image: Patrick Kigozi)
Patrick added: ” At the moment we’re looking for any help we can get.Dad’s doing better, the fundraiser has given him some morale and hope.”
A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than £3,800 out of the family’s £20,000 target.
Siraje wrote on GoFundMe: “I am a strong man who can win this battle with your help as well as the private but costly treatment available.
“I believe I will get to walk my three-year-old daughter down the aisle on her special day and I appeal to you to help me make that dream a reality.”
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https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/hackney-dad-two-late-stages-21449076
